African National Congress (ANC) President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday launched the ruling party's manifesto for South Africa's November 4 local government elections in Diepsloot, north of Johannesburg, committing to stronger municipal governance, reliable basic services, economic growth, and a sharper crackdown on corruption. The manifesto sets the ANC's agenda for what analysts consider a critical test of the party's standing at the grassroots level.

Key Pledges in the Manifesto

Ramaphosa outlined five core priorities: improving the provision of water, electricity, and other basic services; strengthening local governance; promoting economic growth and job creation; building safer communities; and fighting corruption. He said municipalities would be transformed into 'engines of development' by attracting investment and creating jobs, with national and provincial governments providing financial support to small businesses to help them start or sustain operations.

Consultation and Drafting Process

According to Ramaphosa, the manifesto was shaped through nationwide consultations that included input from the Congress of South African Trade Unions, the South African National Civic Organization, lawyers' organisations, and residents of informal settlements. The breadth of consultation, the ANC argues, gives the document a grassroots mandate — though opposition parties are expected to contest that claim ahead of the November poll.

Anti-Corruption Measures

Ramaphosa highlighted the party's integrity commission and step-aside rule, under which ANC members facing criminal charges — including corruption — in court are required to relinquish their positions until their cases are concluded. The rule has been a flashpoint within the ANC in recent years, with several senior members contesting its application. Ramaphosa's renewed emphasis on it signals the party is leaning into accountability as an electoral message.

Safety, Immigration and Labour Compliance

On public safety, Ramaphosa said law enforcement agencies would work alongside Community Policing Forums to combat crime in streets, communities, and on public transport. Local authorities would also assist in enforcing immigration laws, and the government plans to deploy 10,000 labour inspectors to visit companies, verify legal employment status, and ensure regulatory compliance — a notable commitment that links safety policy directly to economic governance.

What Comes Next

With the November 4 local government elections approaching, the ANC faces pressure from opposition parties and civil society groups who argue that service delivery failures — particularly in water and electricity supply — have worsened under ANC-run municipalities. The manifesto's credibility will hinge on whether its pledges translate into measurable improvements before and after polling day.