ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa has acknowledged public frustration with poor municipal services and the cost of living, as he urged voters to support the party in the 4 November local government elections. Addressing the ANC’s Limpopo provincial rally in Polokwane on Saturday, 31 October, Ramaphosa said party volunteers and representatives had heard residents’ concerns while campaigning. He emphasized the need for municipalities to become places that attract investment and provide essential services.
Ramaphosa called for municipalities to provide free basic services to poor households and create opportunities for young people as well as those older than 35. He urged municipalities to buy from local businesses, expand public employment, and create conditions for investment. His remarks were campaign commitments, and whether they translate into funded programmes and improved services will depend on implementation by the relevant authorities.
The ANC’s own campaign message has identified water shortages, potholes, crime, and youth unemployment among the concerns raised during community engagements. Ramaphosa warned that delayed payments to service providers hurt businesses and called on municipal officials and managers to pay them on time. This, he said, would help create a more favorable environment for investment and job creation.
Other parties have also made municipal services a central issue ahead of voting day. The EFF, for example, has highlighted municipal services and hijacked buildings as key concerns. The DA has also emphasized its service delivery record, with Hill-Lewis pitching the party’s credentials at a final national rally.
Special voting takes place on 2 and 3 November, followed by the local government elections on 4 November. Ramaphosa’s address was part of the ANC’s campaign efforts to win over voters. The party is seeking to maintain its support base ahead of the elections.
In related news, election security structures have been activated ahead of special voting, and various parties have pledged to improve service delivery and replace underperforming municipal leaders. The IFP, for instance, has promised to replace underperforming municipal leaders, while the ANC has emphasized the need for capable councils and peaceful voting.
The local government elections are taking place against a backdrop of concerns about service delivery, youth unemployment, and the cost of living. The outcome of the elections will likely have significant implications for the country’s governance and service delivery landscape. Ramaphosa’s campaign commitments will be closely watched by voters and implemented by the relevant authorities if the ANC is successful in the elections.
Key points
- Ramaphosa acknowledges public frustration with poor municipal services and the cost of living
- ANC president urges voters to support the party in local government elections
- Ramaphosa calls for municipalities to provide free basic services to poor households
