The African National Congress (ANC) is gearing up for the 2026 local government elections with hopes of reclaiming power in Cape Town and other municipalities. The party is looking to capitalize on the dissatisfaction of residents in areas like Khayelitsha in the Western Cape, who feel neglected and underserved by the Democratic Alliance (DA)-led government.
Cape Town has been under DA control since 2006, but residents of Khayelitsha are eager to make their voices heard through the ballot box. They claim to be living in squalor while affluent areas receive better services. The ANC, despite facing a decline in support nationally, is seen as a potential alternative that has learned from its past mistakes and is seeking to make amends.
The recent ANC celebration in Khayelitsha was seen as an attempt to reconnect with the urban voter base in the Western Cape, which has been under DA control since 2009. The township faces challenges such as high levels of crime and unemployment, despite its proximity to Cape Town, a city known for its wealth and tourism.
Residents like Thandiswa Bolani and Malibongwe Jack have expressed their frustrations with the DA-led government, citing issues such as poor service delivery and neglect of basic infrastructure in Khayelitsha. They believe that the ANC, if given the chance, can bring about positive change and improve the quality of life in the township.
While the possibility of ANC-DA coalitions at the national and provincial levels exists, residents of Khayelitsha are adamant about not wanting such an arrangement at the local government level. They are hopeful that the ANC can once again take control of the Western Cape and address the longstanding issues facing the community.
The ANC’s decision to hold its January 8 event in Khayelitsha was seen as a strategic move to rebuild support in the province. The party’s support in the Cape Town metro has been declining over the years, and they are looking to change that narrative by focusing on grassroots engagement and addressing the concerns of residents.
ANC Western Cape provincial chairperson Vuyiso Tyhalisisu highlighted the growing wealth gap in the province under DA governance and emphasized the need for change. Despite criticism from the DA, the ANC remains committed to reconnecting with its base and offering a viable alternative for residents who feel marginalized and neglected.
As the country prepares for the upcoming elections, the ANC’s message of hope and change resonates with residents of Khayelitsha and other townships in the Western Cape. The party’s commitment to addressing social inequalities and improving service delivery could be the key to winning back the trust and support of voters in the region. The recent controversy surrounding the refusal to book a stadium for a commemoration event has sparked a heated debate between political parties in the Western Cape. Tyhulisisu, a prominent figure in the ANC, has dismissed claims of sabotage by the opposition, stating that the lack of booking was not intentional but rather a result of delayed communication.
The ANC has used the commemoration event as an opportunity to shed light on the living conditions of poor people in the Western Cape. Tyhulisisu has called on the SA Human Rights Commission to investigate the conditions under which the poor are subjected to, aiming to bring attention to the struggles faced by disadvantaged communities.
In response to allegations of neglect in Cape Town townships, Deputy President Paul Mashatile and DA federal chair Helen Zille have engaged in a war of words. Zille defended the DA’s record, highlighting the installation of security measures and infrastructure projects aimed at improving the lives of residents in Khayelitsha.
Despite the ongoing political tensions, Tyhulisisu remains hopeful for the ANC’s future in the upcoming elections. He has expressed a willingness to work with the DA in hung municipalities to improve the quality of life for the people. However, he criticized the DA for refusing to collaborate with the ANC in various government initiatives, citing missed opportunities for cooperation.
Looking ahead to the 2026 elections, Tyhulisisu believes that the ANC can build on its support base and improve its performance, especially in rural regions. He emphasized the importance of addressing the concerns of black and colored voters in areas under DA control, hoping to regain their trust and support in the upcoming elections.
Overall, the political landscape in the Western Cape remains contentious, with both the ANC and the DA vying for control and support from the electorate. As the elections draw closer, it will be interesting to see how the parties navigate these challenges and work towards a better future for all residents in the province.
