The African National Congress (ANC) has ordered all of its ward councillors to go at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg on Monday in order to conduct a roll call. The party claims that this action is intended to reinforce accountability and demonstrate its commitment to the provision of services.
The instruction arrives as the African National Congress (ANC) reaffirms its commitment to the process of rebuilding the institutions of local government, which have been the subject of increasing criticism in light of corruption, incompetence, and the inability of numerous municipalities to provide the most basic of services. It is envisaged that the gathering will function as both a demonstration of solidarity and a strong reminder that councillors continue to be the primary connection between communities and the government.
Fikile Mbalula, the Secretary-General of the African National Congress, verified the roll call, emphasising that this is not a ceremonial meeting but rather a working one. The front line of service delivery is where the councillors are. They are required to give an accounting to the persons for whom they work. Mbalula stated that this roll call is a component of our aim to re-establish trust and to guarantee that the African National Congress (ANC) fulfils its commitments.
This roll call is expected to attract thousands of council members from all across the country. It is also the first of its sort since the elections that took place in May. The exercise will be utilised to address the difficulties that municipalities are currently facing, particularly those that are run by ANC majority, to assess attendance, and to reiterate the duties of councillors, according to sources.
The African National Congress (ANC) has been the subject of recurrent criticism for its failure to take action against underperforming councillors who are accused of disregarding their responsibilities. The party seems to be expressing a more stringent position on discipline and accountability by physically summoning the individuals in question.
According to political observers, the decision is indicative of the fact that the African National Congress (ANC) acknowledges that the local government remains a crucial area of contention for its survival. “The African National Congress is aware of the fact that if service delivery at the local level were to collapse, the entire movement would be weakened as a result. Political analyst Ralph Mathekga commented, “This roll call is both symbolic and practical because it allows the leadership to directly engage with councillors and establish explicit expectations.”
It is anticipated that the party will delineate priority areas of focus, which include provision of water, stability of energy, collection of garbage, and upkeep of infrastructure. The roll call can also function as a platform to remind councillors of the African National Congress’s renewal program, which is an effort to re-establish the public’s trust before the local government elections in 2026.
Some critics have criticised the gathering as a publicity hoax, but other critics have said that it could be a turning moment if it leads to greater enforcement of performance standards. For the time being, the FNB Stadium will be the focal point of attention on Monday, when the ANC aims to convey a clear message: councillors are obligated to show up, be counted, and pledge to serving the people.
WATCH | The ANC has called on all its ward councillors to appear on Monday at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg for a roll call. This comes as the party recommits to service delivery and rebuilding local government. pic.twitter.com/gaFHYPyKBg
— SABC News (@SABCNews) September 12, 2025
