Ramaphosa slams ANC councillors: Community neglect fueling SA’s service delivery revolt
South Africa - ANC special NEC Meeting - Johannesburg - 13 September 2025 - ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa, delivered the political overview with a strong focus on local government during the ANC special NEC meeting at the Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre in Boksburg.
Image: Itumeleng English/Independent Newspaper
President Cyril Ramaphosa has blamed ANC councillors and deployees in local government for the surge in service delivery protests across South Africa, accusing them of failing to engage communities and eroding public trust.
Speaking at a special ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Boksburg on Saturday, Ramaphosa said the leading party’s representatives have gone “absent without leave”, neglecting their duty to consult, communicate, and be transparent with residents.
“Often, protests happen not because people are unreasonable, but because they are not informed about the real challenges municipalities are facing,” Ramaphosa said.
“Where there is honest consultation, people do understand but when leaders are missing, frustration turns to protest,” he said.
The NEC gathering is focused on a detailed assessment of the state of local government, with a special roll call meeting planned for Monday.
There, all ANC councillors will be required to account for their performance since the 2021 municipal elections amid what Ramaphosa described as a collapse in communication between government and the people.
“Engaging the people, holding public meetings, and giving feedback is not optional — it’s essential,” he said.
“We must rebuild the trust between ANC public representatives and the communities they serve.”
Ramaphosa’s remarks come at a time when the ANC is facing increasing backlash over corruption, mismanagement, and cadre deployment at the municipal level.
Several municipalities have either been placed under administration or flagged for financial misconduct, with forensic reports linking millions in lost public funds to ANC-linked officials and business interests.
Despite promises of reform, the ANC’s image continues to take a hit as South Africans grow increasingly disillusioned with poor governance, load shedding, and failing infrastructure.
Ramaphosa stated that unless the ANC gets back to basics and reconnects with the people, the political cost may be severe.
“Trust is not automatic,” he warned. “We must earn it by showing up, reporting back, and being accountable.”
kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za
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