ANC’s Fikile Mbalula tells councillors to deliver services
ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has sent a strong and clear warning to leaders at local government level: deliver for the people, or make way for those who will. His statement has set the tone for how the party wants councillors to act in the months leading up to the next elections.
Mbalula said the ANC can no longer carry leaders who fail to meet basic standards of delivery, discipline, and service. He emphasized that councillors must be visible in their communities, rebuild trust, and show that the ANC is present and responsive. For too long, many communities have complained about poor service delivery and leaders who are distant. Now, the party says the time for excuses is over.
The 100-Day Directive
The ANC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) has issued a clear instruction: councillors must deliver visible progress within 100 days. This is not just a suggestion—it is a direct order tied to performance and accountability.
The 100-day period is meant to bring focus to the most urgent needs in communities. These include water, electricity, waste collection, roads, and housing. By setting a clear timeline, the NEC is pushing councillors to act quickly and show real results that people can see and feel.
Why This Matters
South Africans are frustrated with poor service delivery at local government level. From broken infrastructure to uncollected rubbish, many communities feel abandoned. This frustration has weakened trust in the ANC, especially in municipalities where promises have not been met.
Mbalula’s warning shows that the party knows public trust is at risk. By demanding action, the ANC wants to show voters that it can still govern effectively and provide basic services. It is not only about fixing problems but also about proving that the party listens and responds.
Accountability and Discipline
A key part of the NEC’s plan is accountability. Councillors will be measured by their performance, not just by attendance at meetings or speeches made at events. If a councillor does not deliver, disciplinary steps will follow, and removal is on the table.
Mbalula made it clear that discipline is not optional. Leaders must act in the interest of the people, not themselves. This means showing up in communities, engaging with residents, and making sure basic services are provided. Leaders who fail will not be shielded.
Rebuilding Trust in Communities
One of the strongest points in Mbalula’s message is about restoring confidence. He said councillors must rebuild the trust between the ANC and communities by being present and responsive.
This means councillors cannot just wait for elections to be visible. They need to be active all year round—listening to complaints, solving problems, and updating residents on progress. Communities often feel abandoned when leaders disappear after campaigns. The ANC wants to change this pattern.
Preparing for Elections
The timing of this directive is not accidental. Elections are coming, and the ANC knows that local government failures could cost them support. By taking a stronger stance on accountability, the party is trying to show voters that it takes their concerns seriously.
The 100-day push is also a test. It will reveal which councillors are committed to their roles and which ones are not. Those who succeed may strengthen the ANC’s image. Those who fail will show why the party needs stricter measures.
What This Means for Councillors
For councillors, the message is simple: deliver results or be removed. This puts direct pressure on them to act quickly and effectively. It also means that lazy leadership will no longer be tolerated.
Councillors will need to focus on key service delivery areas and report visible progress. They must also engage openly with communities, not just rely on speeches or promises. Failure to do so may cost them their positions.
What This Means for Communities
For ordinary people, this directive could bring hope. If councillors meet the targets, communities may start to see real improvements in basic services. Cleaner streets, working water taps, functioning lights, and better roads could all be outcomes of this push.
But communities will also need to hold leaders accountable. Residents must report problems, attend community meetings, and make sure their voices are heard. If leaders know they are being watched, they are more likely to act.
Challenges Ahead
While the directive sounds strong, challenges remain. Service delivery often depends on resources, budgets, and cooperation between different levels of government. Some councillors may genuinely want to deliver but face obstacles beyond their control.
Another challenge is consistency. It is one thing to push for 100 days of visible progress, but lasting change requires constant effort. Communities will want to see improvements that continue beyond the election cycle.
A Tougher Stance
Still, Mbalula’s statement marks a tougher stance by the ANC on leadership accountability. It signals that the party knows time is running out to win back trust. By setting strict standards, the ANC is trying to show it is serious about change.
If followed through, this could help rebuild the bond between the party and the people. But if councillors fail to act, the consequences could damage the ANC further.
Conclusion
Fikile Mbalula’s warning is clear: the ANC will not carry leaders who fail the people. With the NEC’s 100-day directive, councillors are under pressure to deliver visible improvements in their communities. This move is about more than service delivery—it is about restoring trust, showing accountability, and preparing for elections.
The coming months will show whether the ANC can turn words into action. Communities will be watching closely to see if councillors deliver or step aside.