ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has publicly criticised the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) 2026 local government election manifesto, labelling it a “Thatcherite manifesto on privatisation of the state” in a post on X on August 10. Mbalula further alleged that the DA’s presence in the Government of National Unity (GNU) is a direct consequence of the “collapse of the ANC majority” following the 2024 national elections.
Response From The DA
DA Federal Council Chairperson Ashor Sarupen dismissed Mbalula’s remarks on August 12, characterising the criticism as a “tantrum” intended to distract voters from the party’s substantive governance plans. Sarupen highlighted that the ANC already facilitates private sector participation in service delivery within its own controlled municipalities, citing instances in Mafube and KwaDukuza.
Fikile Mbalula’s tantrum about our election Manifesto, shows that there is nothing substantive for the ANC to oppose in the DA’s governance plan.
South Africans do not care whether the ANC can attach an ideological label to a refuse truck. They care whether the refuse truck arrives. They do not care who owns the equipment that repairs a burst pipe. They want water coming out of their taps.
Political Context And Implications
The exchange reflects deepening tensions over service delivery models as both parties prepare for the 2026 local government elections. The DA launched its manifesto at Mary Fitzgerald Square in Johannesburg between August 8 and August 10, while the ANC is scheduled to present its own platform in Diepsloot on August 23.
As these parties continue to navigate the complexities of the national coalition, the debate centres on whether state-led or private-partnership approaches offer more efficient solutions for struggling municipal infrastructure. This report is based on official statements and verified reporting; we are monitoring upcoming campaign events to track further developments.