Monday, 24 August 2026

ANC launched its 2026 local government manifesto with six promises, including tighter timelines on water and electricity, a 100-day delivery scorecard, and performance contracts for councillors.

Johannesburg paid Eskom the full R5.25 billion overdue electricity bill, with the mayor saying the money came from improved revenue collection, the equitable share, and phased payments.

The city also said waste-service backlogs were linked to contractor cash-flow problems and labour disputes, while cash coverage remains below Treasury’s preferred 30-to-45 day buffer.

Nikiwe Bikicha returned to SAFM for the station’s 90th anniversary, reflecting on AM Live, public-interest journalism, and the need to protect and fund the SABC.

Listeners also heard a warning that public trust in the ANC has collapsed since 2004, with calls predicting a heavy local-government election penalty unless the party rebuilds credibility.