“Without You, We Are Dead”: Ramaphosa’s Stark Warning to ANC Councillors

Natalie Nyathi

With local government elections looming, President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered a blunt message to local African National Congress (ANC) councillors: improve performance or face political ruin. Speaking at a “roll call” meeting at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg on September 15, 2025, Ramaphosa emphasized the critical role councillors play in the party’s future. “Without you doing anything, we are dead; we might as well pack up,” he stated, underscoring the urgency of the situation.

The ANC, which has governed South Africa since 1994, is facing a decline in support, particularly in urban areas. In the 2021 local government elections, the party’s share of the vote fell significantly from the high it garnered in 2006. This decline reflects widespread dissatisfaction with service delivery, corruption, and financial mismanagement in many ANC-led municipalities.

Ramaphosa acknowledged these shortcomings, admitting that even municipalities run by the Democratic Alliance (DA) often perform better. He criticized corruption, laziness, and arrogance within the ANC ranks but didn’t offer a detailed plan to address these issues. The President’s address followed a special National Executive Committee meeting where an “action plan” was developed to rebuild local government, focusing on improved service delivery, good governance, and tackling corruption.

However, skepticism remains about the ANC’s ability to turn things around. Municipalities owe creditors a staggering amount, a sharp increase from the previous year. The National Treasury has even threatened to cut funding for defaulting municipalities. In Johannesburg, despite the presence of a presidential working group, many residents continue to experience water shortages, highlighting the challenges in addressing basic service delivery.

Political analysts suggest the ANC’s efforts may be too late to significantly alter the party’s trajectory. While some councillors expressed optimism about the party’s commitment to change, others remain unconvinced that the “roll call” event will translate into tangible improvements for residents. As Moeletsi Mbeki noted, such gatherings often serve as electioneering tactics rather than genuine attempts to address underlying issues.

The ANC’s struggle in local government reflects broader challenges facing the party, including declining electoral support and internal divisions. As the local government elections approach, the ANC faces an uphill battle to regain public trust and demonstrate its ability to deliver effective governance at the local level. Failure to do so could have serious consequences for the party’s future.