South Africa’s African National Congress (ANC) has officially unveiled a high-stakes reform manifesto aimed at reversing its declining electoral fortunes before the upcoming local government elections. Speaking at a massive rally on Sunday, January 11, 2026, party leadership acknowledged the growing public frustration over systemic corruption, persistent power shortages, and high unemployment rates that have eroded the party’s traditional support base.
The reform plan, described by party officials as a “new contract with the people,” focuses on internal house-cleaning and the professionalization of local government services. A major highlight of the strategy is the introduction of stricter vetting processes for party candidates to ensure that only individuals with “proven integrity and competence” are fielded for council positions. This move is seen as a direct response to the “step-aside” rule controversies and the numerous graft allegations that have plagued the party’s local structures in recent years.
Beyond internal politics, the ANC’s new roadmap promises to accelerate the decentralization of the energy grid to allow municipalities more autonomy in solving the “load-shedding” crisis that has crippled small businesses. President Cyril Ramaphosa, addressing the crowds, emphasized that the party has “heard the message of the people” and is committed to a renewal process that prioritizes service delivery over political patronage.
International political analysts suggest that these local polls will serve as a definitive litmus test for the ANC’s survival as a dominant force. With opposition parties like the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) gaining ground in key metropolitan areas, the ANC’s ability to implement these reforms effectively before the vote remains the biggest question. The party intends to spend the coming weeks deploying top officials to grassroots communities to demonstrate that the promised changes are already underway
