ActionSA, a South African political party, launched its 2026 local-government election manifesto on September 26, 2026, in Johannesburg. The party's president, Herman Mashaba, who is also the party's Johannesburg mayoral candidate, presented the plan. The manifesto emphasizes the party's commitment to providing reliable basic services, including water and electricity, maintaining roads, refuse collection, and addressing sewage failures. These promises are part of the party's campaign commitments, which will be implemented if they are elected.
The manifesto also focuses on municipal finances, with ActionSA pledging to adopt funded budgets, reduce wasteful spending, and develop recovery plans where necessary. The party aims to improve metering and billing, ensuring that residents are charged accurately. Mashaba emphasized that spending should be directed towards service priorities. Furthermore, the party promises to make appointments based on qualifications and performance, increase transparency around tenders and contracts, and protect whistle-blowers.
ActionSA's manifesto also highlights its commitment to anti-corruption measures. The party vows to pursue consequences and recover public money where corruption is proven. It proposes increasing municipal law-enforcement capacity and strengthening by-law enforcement, while working with national authorities where powers lie outside councils. Additionally, the party aims to reduce unnecessary red tape, set clearer turnaround times for municipal approvals, and improve access to opportunities for small businesses.
The party's coalition position is that it will not make pre-election coalition deals. If no party wins a majority in a council, ActionSA says any coalition it joins should have a defined program, responsibilities, and accountability arrangements. Cape Town mayoral candidate Dereleen James also spoke at the launch, emphasizing the importance of safety, affordability, and working services.
ActionSA's manifesto proposes investment in neglected communities, upgrades to informal settlements where safe, and improvements to public transport and public spaces. The party's published speech provides detailed policy pledges, which are now available on the party's website. The manifesto launch was held at Johannesburg City Hall, with Eyewitness News reporting from the event.
The 2026 local-government election manifesto is a significant step for ActionSA, as it outlines the party's vision for local governance. The party's emphasis on service delivery, municipal finances, and anti-corruption measures reflects its commitment to improving the lives of South African citizens. With the election approaching, ActionSA's manifesto is likely to be closely scrutinized by voters and other political parties.
As the 2026 local-government election campaign heats up, ActionSA's manifesto is a key document that outlines the party's policy priorities. The party's commitment to transparency, accountability, and service delivery will likely resonate with voters seeking change in their local municipalities. With its focus on practical solutions and anti-corruption measures, ActionSA's manifesto is a significant contribution to the election discourse.
Key points
- ActionSA's manifesto prioritizes basic services, municipal finances, and anti-corruption measures.
- The party proposes adopting funded budgets, reducing wasteful spending, and improving metering and billing.
- ActionSA vows to pursue consequences and recover public money where corruption is proven.
