President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to introduce a comprehensive action plan aimed at revitalising ANC-led municipalities in preparation for the crucial 2026 local government elections.

Speaking at a special two-day ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, currently underway, Ramaphosa said the focus was squarely on addressing the escalating challenges facing the local sphere of government.

The meeting brings together ANC leaders to develop and endorse a clear roadmap for local governance renewal.

The NEC gathering will culminate in a mass roll call meeting at FNB Stadium on Monday, where more than 6,000 ANC councillors and mayors will report back on their performance since taking office following the 2021 municipal elections.

“The focus of the plan is to strengthen local government,” Ramaphosa told the NEC.

“The ANC has developed a draft Action Plan, which

must be adopted by this NEC. This plan consolidates existing strategies and ensures decisive progress in implementing our commitments in ANC-led municipalities.”

The proposed action plan outlines specific roles and responsibilities for ANC councillors, introduces critical intervention mechanisms, and mandates monthly performance reporting.

Ramaphosa emphasised that the plan would be shared with all ANC deployees, accompanied by clear and measurable tasks that must be fulfilled both in government and within the party structures.

This strategic initiative comes at a time when the ANC is facing mounting internal divisions and weakening public trust.

Leadership fractures at both provincial and national levels, persistent factionalism, and accusations of gatekeeping have clouded the party’s preparations for upcoming provincial and national elective conferences.

In addition to the governance reform agenda, the NEC meeting will address urgent measures to stabilise dysfunctional municipalities across South Africa.

Ramaphosa did not mince words when addressing the causes behind widespread service delivery protests, placing the blame squarely on ANC councillors and local deployees.

He accused many of failing to engage meaningfully with communities, thereby eroding public trust.

“Often, protests happen not because people are unreasonable, but because they are not informed about the real challenges municipalities are facing,” said Ramaphosa.

The new action plan is expected to form the backbone of the ANC’s campaign to rebuild its credibility at the local government level — a critical battleground as the 2026 elections loom on the horizon.

kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za

IOL Politics

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