Ramaphosa acknowledges ANC's shortcomings, seeks renewed mandate for local government
ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa admitted his party's failures in some areas but appealed to South Africans to grant the ANC another term to govern municipalities after the November 4 elections. Speaking in Diepsloot, north of Johannesburg, Ramaphosa unveiled the party's plans to improve local government. He acknowledged that the ANC accepts responsibility for both progress and failures, stating they would not shy away from the realities faced by the people. Ramaphosa highlighted widespread municipal problems, including poor leadership, slow or absent service delivery, deteriorating infrastructure, and financial difficulties exacerbated by political instability, corruption, and unqualified appointments. He affirmed that the ANC has heard the public's criticisms and is now humbling itself, recognizing weaknesses in its governance. Ramaphosa stated that the next phase of local government must focus on implementing policies. The ANC's manifesto outlines six actions to rebuild public trust, including providing essential services like water and electricity, reducing reliance on consultants by strengthening municipal technical capacities, and fast-tracking the upgrading of informal settlements and the issuance of title deeds for RDP houses. The party also aims to protect households from rising living costs through fair tariffs, expand internet access, and provide free public Wi-Fi. Additionally, the ANC plans to create job opportunities and attract investment to municipalities, envisi