Ramaphosa to ANC councillors: Deliver or watch the party die

By Simon Nare

President Cyril Ramaphosa has read the riot act to ANC councillors, warning them to shape up and deliver services or risk the party’s demise after the 2026 Local Government Elections.

Addressing 4,800 councillors from across the country at an unprecedented roll call meeting at the Gold Rush Dome, FNB Stadium, in Johannesburg, Ramaphosa said councillors were the party’s foot soldiers who must win back the trust of communities on the ground.

The roll call formed part of preparations for the ANC’s upcoming local government election campaign, as the liberation movement faces its toughest test yet following its dismal showing in the 2024 national elections, where it lost its parliamentary majority and was forced into a Government of National Unity (GNU).

Ramaphosa warned councillors that restoring service delivery was key to winning back public support, urging ward representatives to be proactive in addressing residents’ concerns.

He said councillors