Gwede Mantashe: “The DA Way of Governing Is a Myth”

Gwede Mantashe Urges ANC Councilors to “Pick Up Their Socks” and Challenge DA in Townships

CAPE TOWN, 21 Sept 2025 – ANC National Chairperson Gwede Mantashe has called on the party’s councilors to intensify their work in townships and informal settlements, warning that neglect on the ground could cost the ANC dearly in the upcoming elections. Speaking during a councilor engagement in Khayelitsha, Mantashe stressed that the ANC’s electoral performance does not rest on national leadership alone, but rather on the effectiveness of councilors in their communities.

“If officials on the ground drop the ball, the party will suffer during voting,” Mantashe said.

DA Strong in Suburbs, Weak in Townships

Mantashe accused the Democratic Alliance (DA) of prioritising white suburbs while neglecting townships, pointing to poor service delivery such as water leaks, sewage spillages, and stalled housing projects. He urged ANC councilors to become more visible, disciplined, and united in tackling these issues head-on:

“Our councilors are in the townships. They must pick up their socks and take the fight to the DA. A disciplined force must mobilize communities and hold the DA accountable for failed service delivery.”

READ: Ramaphosa Clarifies DA Praise: "Clean Audits Don't Mean Best Governance"

Service Delivery and Discipline at the Core

The engagement highlighted serious concerns in areas like Samora Machel and Philippi, where residents continue to face sewage running in the streets and long-delayed housing projects. Mantashe insisted that councilors cannot work in isolation, urging them to stand in solidarity across wards, especially when addressing service delivery breakdowns that ripple into neighbouring communities. He also emphasized discipline, noting that simple actions like attending meetings on time and being present in communities send a strong message of accountability and commitment.

Historical and Social Dimensions

Mantashe criticized the DA’s attitude towards black South Africans in the Western Cape, accusing the party of treating them like “strangers” in their own land.

“Our people are here rightfully so. They deserve better services, better comfort, and improved townships. These will not come on a silver platter; councilors must fight for them,” he said.

The Road Ahead for the ANC in the Western Cape

The ANC has been on a drive to reclaim the Western Cape, which it lost to the DA years ago. Mantashe’s meeting forms part of broader mobilization efforts ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections, where service delivery in townships is expected to be a decisive factor.

READ: DA: Voting for Small Parties Will Keep ANC in Power in Johannesburg

While he acknowledged that the DA has managed good financial audit outcomes, he argued that these mean little if basic services collapse in poor communities.

“Running finances properly is important, but service delivery matters most. Our responsibility is to ensure people see the difference on the ground,” Mantashe concluded.

For many residents of Cape Town’s townships, the test will be whether these calls translate into real improvements in their daily lives.