LOCAL ELECTIONS 2026: Frustrated ANC supporters tell Mashatile, back from illness, to ‘act right’

During a campaign visit to Ekurhuleni ahead of the local elections on November 4, 2026, Deputy President Paul Mashatile addressed the frustrations of ANC supporters regarding high electricity costs, disputed water bills, and inconsistent refuse collection. Residents expressed their concerns about the economic burden of supporting unemployed family members and the difficulties they faced in paying for basic services.

Mashatile, who had returned from a period of medical recovery, emphasized the importance of the campaign in maintaining ANC supporters' engagement and encouraging them to vote. He highlighted the party's efforts to assist vulnerable households and appealed to locals to support the incumbent government.

One pensioner, Nozipho Nkambule, complained about the cost of electricity, stating that her prepaid power only lasted for a week. Another resident, Sinah Molatudi, criticized the ANC's handling of water and sanitation issues, including unreliable refuse collection. She urged the party to "act right" so residents would continue supporting them.

Mashatile also addressed the issue of unemployment, acknowledging that corruption and joblessness had deepened residents' frustration with the government's performance. He emphasized that local ward councillors would continue to interface with the community after the national delegation had left.

While some residents remained loyal to the ANC, they expressed disappointment with the party's actions and called for improvement. Several residents emphasized that the ANC's renewed presence in communities was not enough to convince them to vote for the party without tangible improvements in service delivery and government accountability.