ANC’s R54 Billion Plan to Tackle SA Municipal Infrastructure Crisis The African National Congress (ANC) has unveiled a comprehensive R54 billion Local Government Action Plan aimed at resolving South Africa’s deepening municipal infrastructure crisis, particularly in water and electricity delivery. Announced by ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula from Luthuli House on April 20, 2026, the plan targets stabilization of major metropolitan areas ahead of the 2026 local government elections. At the core of the initiative is a significant capital injection for infrastructure repair, with Mbalula confirming that 13 major water projects are currently under active implementation. These include the long-awaited Phase 2 of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project and the uMkhomazi Water Project, both designed to enhance water supply to underserved regions. To ensure funds translate into tangible results, the ANC has introduced the Emfuleni Water and Sanitation special purpose vehicle—a latest institutional model that bypasses traditional bureaucratic delays by linking infrastructure investment directly with governance reform and operational control. Mbalula emphasized that financial support is being paired with strict accountability measures. He reported that Eskom debt relief amounting to R55.3 billion has already been implemented for 71 municipalities, contingent on compliance with performance benchmarks. Over 180 compliance actions and Section 139 interventions have been taken against failing administrations to enforce adherence. The ANC cites improved audit outcomes in municipalities such as Mbombela, Mamusa, and Bela-Bela as evidence that its “Year of Decisive Action” is producing measurable progress. The plan reflects a broader strategy to strengthen local government through decisive leadership, structural reform, and enhanced performance monitoring. Mbalula noted that the party is finalizing its mayoral candidates for metros and secondary cities, with selections expected by June, and has not hesitated to replace mayors where leadership failures or ill-discipline were identified, including cases where members voted with opposition parties. By combining targeted funding, institutional innovation, and enforcement mechanisms, the ANC aims to restore public trust in basic service delivery and demonstrate capable, accountable governance at the municipal level.
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