Saturday, 8 August 2026

The DA launched its local government election manifesto at Mary Fitzgerald Square, with Jordan Hill-Lewis saying municipalities should be judged on water, electricity, refuse removal, safe streets and reliable service delivery.

Hill-Lewis set out three guarantees: trustworthy government, services that work, and a city where people can get ahead, with ring-fenced water and electricity revenue and tougher action on corruption.

He said the DA would push for greater policing powers for capable municipalities, arguing local crime-fighting teams must be able to investigate and help secure convictions, not just make arrests.

The party framed itself as already delivering in places like Midvaal, Cape Town and Gqeberha, contrasting those areas with Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni and Tshwane as examples of broken or struggling municipalities.

The show also marked the run-up to Women’s Day and Women’s Month, with repeated reflection on how women’s roles are evolving beyond caregiving to equal partnership and economic contribution.