ANC to hold roll call for councillors at FNB Stadium as 2026 polls loom
ANC to meet with all its councillors across the country to receive feedback on their work done since the 2021 local government elections.
Image: Sizwe Ndingane
ANC has ordered all its councillors across the country to report back on their performance since the 2021 local polls amid mounting public frustration and looming 2026 local government elections.
The ANC will convene a roll call for all its government deployees at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg on Monday.
The move comes as the party scrambles to repair its image ahead of the critical 2026 local elections.
President Cyril Ramaphosa, speaking at the ANC special National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Boksburg over the weekend, demanded accountability from councillors, many of whom stand accused of corruption, incompetence, and self-enrichment at the expense of basic services.
Ramaphosa slammed the members for having gone “absent without leave”, neglecting their duty to consult, communicate, and be transparent with residents.
“Often, protests happen not because people are unreasonable, but because they are not informed about the real challenges municipalities are facing,” Ramaphosa said.
Water shortages, crumbling road infrastructure, and rampant looting have plagued ANC-led municipalities for years.
Despite promising clean governance and efficient service delivery in 2021, many communities are worse off today.
Protestors holding a sign reading “We want water” during a demonstration in Coronationville, Johannesburg. The area has faced prolonged water cuts, prompting unrest.
Image: Itumeleng English/Independent Newspapers
Funds meant for infrastructure and essential services have instead lined the pockets of connected officials and contractors.
Analysts have predicted the downfall of the ANC given their inability to deliver services to the people.
The ANC’s Boksburg meeting was aimed at crafting a turnaround strategy—but critics argue it's too little, too late.
Local government has become a cash cow for corrupt officials, while citizens live without water, electricity, or functioning roads.
A member of the public is seen collecting recyclable waste material near the Bree Taxi Rank yesterday. Waste remains uncollected in most parts of Johannesburg, following continued protest by casual Pikitup workers.
Image: Itumeleng English Independent Newspapers
ANC members have been more focused on internal power struggles and positions of influence than on delivering results.
The report-back order is seen by many as a desperate attempt to salvage what's left of the party's credibility.
As 2026 approaches, pressure is mounting on the ANC to clean up its ranks or risk losing more ground at the ballot box.
kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za
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