Ramaphosa Touts ANC Record Ahead of Local Elections

ANC’s Role in Service Delivery Highlighted

President Cyril Ramaphosa has asserted the African National Congress (ANC) as the most effective party in improving the lives of South Africans, addressing supporters just days before the country’s local government elections. Speaking at the Siyanqoba rally at Sisa Dukashe Stadium, he characterised the election as a critical test of whether municipalities can meet residents’ everyday needs.

Framing the Election as a Verdict on Service Delivery

Ramaphosa emphasised that the election outcome would go beyond political slogans. He told attendees that the real question was whether services such as running water, functional streetlights, and reliable refuse collection were being delivered. The president stated, “It is an election about whether the tap works, whether the street light comes on, and whether the refuse is collected.” According to Ramaphosa, these are the issues by which voters should judge the performance of local government.

ANC’s Achievements and Continued Priorities

The president highlighted several of the governing party’s accomplishments. He pointed to the end of load shedding, improvements to water infrastructure, and new opportunities for young people. According to Ramaphosa, the ANC-led governmentworking with Eskom and other partnershas brought load shedding to an end. He stressed ongoing investments in dams, pipelines, and treatment facilities to ensure clean and reliable water supply.

In addition, he announced a pledge of one million new work, training, and enterprise opportunities over the next term. These would include apprenticeships, learnerships, and graduate internships available in ANC-run municipalities, all intended to address youth unemployment and stimulate economic growth.

Acknowledging Challenges and Public Concerns

Ramaphosa acknowledged public frustrations over rising costs of living and inconsistent service delivery, noting the ANC had taken these concerns seriously during their campaign trail. He stated that the party has listened to communities expressing both appreciation for progress made and dissatisfaction with current challenges. This engagement, he argued, has further shaped the ANC’s focus on building an inclusive economy and strengthening support at the local level.

Contrast with Opposition Municipalities

The president also addressed issues in opposition-led municipalities, suggesting that while some parties boasted about their management, service distribution tended to favour specific neighbourhoods. He asked supporters to consider “whose neighbourhoods get their services first” and whether all residents were truly benefitting equally under opposition control.

Voters to Decide Who Will Lead Municipal Renewal

With the announcement of the election just days away, Ramaphosa concluded that South Africans have the power to determine who will manage towns, cities, and villages. He encouraged citizens to weigh the ANC’s track record in service delivery and economic growth as they head to the polls, stating that the party remains dedicated to meeting the needs of the nation in tangible ways.

Looking Ahead

As the country prepares for a key local government election, issues of service delivery, economic inclusion, and leadership remain at the forefront of voter considerations. The ANC’s campaign, led by Ramaphosa, is focused on reinforcing its achievements while acknowledging the challenges that persist in communities across South Africa.