Ramaphosa unveils ANC's local government manifesto

ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa revealed the South African political party's local government manifesto ahead of the upcoming elections on November 4th. Ramaphosa emphasized that ANC mayors and councillors would begin their roles immediately upon taking office and would have 100 days to demonstrate progress in addressing issues within their municipalities. The manifesto outlined six key areas of focus for the party over the next five years.

Ramaphosa stressed that the ANC's top priority would be to provide affordable and reliable municipal services, including water, electricity, sanitation, roads, refuse removal, and well-maintained infrastructure. He highlighted that the ANC-led government has made significant progress in ensuring access to basic services, with no load shedding for over 400 days and substantial investments in water infrastructure and reforms in water, sanitation, electricity, and solid waste services.

The ANC's second priority is to create more work and investment opportunities in cities, towns, townships, and rural areas. The party aims to improve the conditions for investment, enterprise growth, job creation, and inclusive local economic development. Ramaphosa also emphasized the importance of promoting safer streets, cleaner neighbourhoods, and healthier communities, as well as community safety, social cohesion, and combating gender-based violence and femicide.

The ANC's third priority is to address crime, safety, and health concerns in communities. The government has classified gender-based violence and femicide as a national disaster.