Cyril Ramaphosa Kicks Off eThekwini Campaign Trail Ahead of 2026 Local Government Elections

DURBAN, KwaZulu-Natal — ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa has launched a robust door-to-door campaign in the eThekwini metropolitan municipality, expressing strong confidence that the party will rebound in the upcoming 2026 Local Government Elections scheduled for November 4.

The political engagements in the KwaZulu-Natal economic hub come as the party seeks to reverse recent electoral declines. In the May 29, 2024, general elections, the party’s support in the province plummeted to 17 percent, a significant drop exacerbated by the emergence of the MK party as a major political force. Furthermore, the party lost its outright majority in the eThekwini metro during the 2021 municipal elections, securing only 42 percent of the vote and subsequently having to govern the city through a coalition.

Speaking to hundreds of gathered supporters in the Molweni area on the outer west of Durban, Ramaphosa highlighted the party’s historical achievements. He pointed to the provision of social grants, the fight against corruption, and the country’s streak of over 400 days without electricity blackouts or load shedding. He cautioned residents that failing to support the party on election day could jeopardize these milestones and undo years of developmental work.

Echoing this optimism, ANC provincial task team convenor Mike Mabuyakhulu noted that the party has been preparing extensively since last year. Mabuyakhulu emphasized that the party’s effective election machinery and close voter contact are yielding positive receptions, assuring supporters that the 2026 outcomes will be completely different from the declines seen in the previous two electoral cycles.

Addressing pressing community concerns, Ramaphosa tackled the issues of crime and gender-based violence. He conceded that the police service is currently overstretched due to insufficient personnel. However, he highlighted that his annual State of the Nation addresses have consistently prioritized increasing police numbers to ensure public safety. He assured residents that the government is focusing heavily on crime prevention, thorough investigations, and strict accountability for perpetrators.

Despite the joyful atmosphere at the campaign stops—which included music, a birthday photo opportunity, and enthusiastic crowds being transported back to their communities by buses—local residents voiced significant grievances. Community members in Hammarsdale (Mpumalanga Township) and the broader Molweni area highlighted ongoing struggles with drugs, poor service delivery, and high crime rates. Many also pointed out that promises made following the devastating 2022 floods remain unfulfilled, with numerous families still lacking homes and livelihoods. They pleaded with the executive for more concrete actions to eradicate drugs, improve safety, and provide housing.

Following his engagements with the community and a stop at the Sizagala Centre, Ramaphosa was scheduled to meet with local traditional leadership, the Amakosi, to discuss collaborative governance and future development in the region.