Fikile Mbalula has announced a sweeping “Local Government Action Plan” that will see R54 billion invested over the next three years to address ongoing water and electricity challenges affecting major metros across South Africa.
Speaking at Luthuli House, Mbalula said the plan forms part of the party’s broader strategy to stabilise local government ahead of upcoming elections, following an internal review that identified municipalities as a critical point of intervention.
A key component of the plan is large-scale infrastructure investment, with 13 major water projects already under way. These include Phase 2 of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project and the uMkhomazi Water Project, both aimed at strengthening long-term water supply.
To address delays in implementation, the ANC has introduced a new governance model through a special purpose vehicle focused on water and sanitation in Emfuleni. The approach is intended to fast-track delivery by linking infrastructure funding directly with operational oversight.
Mbalula also pointed to progress in municipal finances, noting that Eskom debt relief totalling R55.3 billion has been extended to 71 municipalities. The support is tied to strict compliance measures, with numerous interventions already taken against underperforming administrations.
He said improvements in audit outcomes in municipalities such as Mbombela, Mamusa and Bela-Bela reflect the impact of stronger leadership and accountability measures.
The party has also completed performance reviews for more than 3,000 councillors and established a “National War Room” alongside a service delivery and corruption hotline to monitor and respond to community concerns.
Mbalula emphasised that accountability would be enforced, warning that public representatives who fail to deliver services could be replaced.
He acknowledged the complexities of coalition governance, noting that the ANC currently holds outright control in only two metros, Mangaung and Buffalo City, and relies on coalition arrangements elsewhere. A proposed bill on coalition thresholds is expected to be prioritised after the current parliamentary processes.
Candidate selection for upcoming local government elections is ongoing, with final mayoral lists for metros and secondary cities expected by June. Mbalula said leadership changes have already been implemented in cases of poor performance or internal disciplinary issues.
The plan also includes a focus on local economic development, with a National LED Summit framework expected to unlock R18 billion in investments to support thousands of small businesses in townships and rural areas.
Facebook Comments