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The African National Congress in the Eastern Cape has declared 2026 the “Year of Fixing Local Government” ahead of the 2026 National Local Government Elections.
The announcement was made by Provincial Chairperson Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane during an Ordinary Provincial Executive Committee meeting held on 1–2 March 2026 in Qonce.
What is happening?
During his political overview, Mabuyane outlined the ANC’s governance priorities for 2026, placing strong emphasis on stabilising and improving local municipalities.
He said the focus will be on ensuring that national and provincial priorities are implemented effectively at municipal level, where residents experience government services directly.
According to the address, 2026 has been formally declared the Year of Fixing Local Government as preparations begin for the upcoming local elections.
The meeting took place at Canon James Calata House in Qonce.
Why it matters to you
Local government affects daily life in every Eastern Cape community.
Municipalities are responsible for water supply, road maintenance, refuse collection and local economic development. When these services fail, households and businesses feel the impact immediately.
As a result, 2026 is expected to bring renewed political focus on:
- Water reliability
- Road infrastructure
- Service delivery performance
- Youth development programmes
- Municipal leadership accountability
For residents, this signals increased attention on service standards ahead of elections.
What you need to know
Below is a summary of key points from the political overview:
| Focus Area | What Was Said | What It Means for Residents |
|---|---|---|
| Local Government | 2026 declared Year of Fixing Local Government | Increased scrutiny on municipal performance |
| Service Delivery | Mayors expected to align with national and provincial priorities | Focus on water, roads and refuse services |
| Youth Development | Concern raised about programme performance | Pressure to improve opportunities for young people |
| Organisational Unity | Call for unity ahead of Provincial Conference | Political stability may affect governance continuity |
| 2026 Elections | Local elections approaching | Municipal performance likely to shape voter decisions |
The address also referenced international developments and expressed concern about global instability.
What you should do next
Residents can take practical steps to stay informed and prepared:
- Monitor your municipality’s State of the District Address
- Track service delivery announcements from your local council
- Report service delivery failures through official municipal channels
- Verify voter registration status ahead of the 2026 local elections
Staying informed helps communities assess whether service commitments translate into action.
For broader local governance updates, visit our Local Eastern Cape News category hub.
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