Ramaphosa urges ANC to end political interference in municipalities

President Cyril Ramaphosa at the ANC’s 114th anniversary celebrations

The African National Congress (ANC) President Cyril Ramaphosa says the party must make an effort to eradicate political interference within the country’s municipalities. Ramaphosa cited the findings of the Auditor General on the challenges facing Local Government, on the first day of the ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) Lekgotla on Saturday.

The party is meeting over three days to ensure delivery at local government level, amongst other priorities identified by the party and outlined at its January 8 Statement.

WATCH | ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa says the NEC has decided that 2026 will be the year of decisive action to fix local government and transform South Africa’s economy. pic.twitter.com/brVj0pP2LK

— SABC News (@SABCNews) January 24, 2026

Delegates at the Lekgotla, who include cabinet ministers, deputy ministers and mayors are currently in commissions discussing other issues such as transforming the economy, fighting crime, corruption and GBV and making a better Africa and world.

“The ANC must therefore be unrelenting in ensuring professional administration is insulated from political interference. Municipal governance on the whole must be capable and ethical. It is critical that municipal administration is also developmental and works with communities to meet their needs. We must therefore continue to mobilize for the implementation of the district development model throughout the country. ”

WATCH | ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa says: “The forces of right wing imperialism, both globally and domestically, are seemingly on the offensive and we need to ensure that our movement and our government take appropriate action to protect our nation and its people.” pic.twitter.com/YcQIRFBpnt

— SABC News (@SABCNews) January 24, 2026