Ramaphosa warns ANC mayors and councillors on performance and accountability
President Cyril Ramaphosa has issued a stern warning to ANC mayors and councillors, stating that those who fail to serve their communities will not be protected. Speaking at the ANC鈥檚 local government manifesto launch in Diepsloot, Soweto, on Sunday, 23 August 2026, Ramaphosa outlined a strict accountability framework. He emphasized that all ANC representatives will be required to sign public performance agreements with clear targets and timelines, along with a code of ethical conduct. Ramaphosa stated that public representatives who do not fulfill their agreed responsibilities will be removed, acknowledging the widespread failures in ANC-run municipalities, including collapsing infrastructure and poor service delivery. He directly addressed shortcomings highlighted by auditor-general reports regarding wasteful expenditure and corruption. The ANC鈥檚 manifesto includes a 100-day accountability plan for every councillor, requiring them to publish priorities and demonstrate measurable progress within three months of taking office. Ramaphosa also stressed the importance of financial discipline, insisting that all funds must be managed responsibly and that municipalities must act on auditor-general findings within 12 months. He framed the manifesto as a turning point for the ANC, aiming to rebuild trust and restore services, asserting that the party will no longer shield underperforming leaders. This warning comes as opposition parties, including the DA, ActionSA, and EFF, are acti