Ramaphosa vows capable, ethical and accountable local government

African National Congress (ANC) President Cyril Ramaphosa says the party must prioritise the building of a capable, ethical, stable and accountable local government.

Ramaphosa was unveiling the ANC elections manifesto ahead of the 4 November local government elections.

The building of an ethical and capable state is one the party’s six action areas. The other action areas include community participation and providing quality services.

Ramaphosa delivered his party’s manifesto at Riverside Park in Diepsloot, in the North of Johannesburg.

“Our fifth action is to build municipalities that are led well, that are run honestly. Leadership does matter. A municipality can have sound budgets, skilled employees, and good plans. But if its political leadership is divided, is corrupt, is weak, or indifferent, the municipality will fail. Communities are entitled to have leaders who serve with integrity.”

The ANC will introduce a monitoring mechanism to track implementation across every municipality from the first day of governance. Each municipality will have its own manifesto, monitored by the Secretary-General’s Office, allowing communities to see what was promised, what has… pic.twitter.com/wDsqosK0SX

— ANC – African National Congress (@MYANC) August 23, 2026

Ramaphosa says the six key actions aimed at rebuilding public trust and improving service delivery include providing reliable water, sanitation and electricity services, boosting local economic growth and job creation, building safer communities and intensifying the fight against Gender Based Violence.

The ANC also plans to review the municipal funding model, intensify efforts to combat corruption and place communities at the centre of decision-making.

Ramaphosa says residents will have greater oversight of municipal performance through improved systems to report and track service delivery.

“Over the next five years, the ANC-led municipalities will digitise business services and set clear turnaround times for planning approvals, building plans, rezoning permits. And I need to stress, because it’s important that when our people deal with our municipalities, they should know that they are going to receive quick service. People should not wait forever to get their licenses.”

VIDEO | President Cyril Ramaphosa addresses ANC members at the party’s election manifesto in Diepsloot: