ActionSA president Herman Mashaba launched the party's 2026 local government elections manifesto in Johannesburg on Saturday. The campaign focuses on restoring basic services, improving financial management, and enhancing community safety. Mashaba stated that ActionSA is "declaring war" on the collapse of local government, which has led to deteriorating infrastructure, unreliable water and electricity supplies, poor roads, crime, and corruption.
Mashaba cited deteriorating roads, unreliable water and electricity supplies, safety concerns, and declining basic services as issues affecting residents across South Africa. He emphasized that this is not just a Johannesburg problem, but a South African problem. The manifesto sets out nine broad priorities, including reliable basic services, improved financial management, professional municipal administrations, anti-corruption measures, safer communities, economic development, and more inclusive services.
ActionSA's manifesto prioritizes reliable water and electricity, road maintenance, sewage infrastructure, and refuse collection. The party also promises to introduce credible, fully funded budgets, improve revenue collection and metering, strengthen billing systems, and implement financial recovery plans. Furthermore, it proposes reducing unnecessary political staffing, with municipal appointments based on qualifications, competence, experience, and merit.
Corruption and procurement are also in the spotlight, with ActionSA promising greater transparency around tenders and contracts, investigations into suspicious conduct, and protection for whistle-blowers. Mashaba stated that every rand stolen through fraud, inflated contracts, or dishonest officials is a rand that cannot be spent fixing roads, maintaining water infrastructure, or delivering services.
On the safety front, ActionSA proposes putting more municipal law-enforcement officers on the streets and targeting infrastructure theft, illegal connections, hijacked buildings, and criminal syndicates. The manifesto also calls for municipalities to use their lawful powers to address illegal immigration, while working with the Department of Home Affairs and the South African Police Service where national enforcement powers are required.
ActionSA says it will seek to make municipalities more business-friendly by reducing red tape, setting turnaround times for approvals, and improving access to municipal opportunities for small businesses. The party also proposes measures aimed at supporting young people with skills and work opportunities, as well as revitalizing central business districts and town centers.
Regarding potential coalitions, ActionSA says it will not enter pre-election coalitions. Mashaba added that any post-election coalition would need to be based on a clear program of government, defined responsibilities, and accountability. ActionSA is contesting the November 4 local government elections in dozens of municipalities as it seeks to expand its presence beyond the municipalities where it currently has representation.
Key points
- ActionSA's manifesto focuses on restoring basic services, improving financial management, and enhancing community safety.
- The party proposes reducing unnecessary political staffing and increasing transparency around tenders and contracts.
- ActionSA will not enter pre-election coalitions, but may consider post-election coalitions based on a clear program of government and accountability.
