By Johnathan Paoli
With just three months until South Africans head to the polls, the Democratic Alliance is looking to convince voters it has the blueprint to rescue the country’s failing municipalities when it unveils its 2026 Local Government Election manifesto in Johannesburg.
The launch, which is taking place at Mary Fitzgerald Square in Johannesburg’s Newtown precinct, marks a key milestone in the DA’s campaign ahead of the 4 November local government elections.
Party leaders have said the manifesto will serve as a “contract” with voters, outlining how the DA intends to improve service delivery, restore local governance and expand its footprint in municipalities across the country.
Speaking during a briefing on Thursday, DA National Campaign Manager Ashor Sarupen said the party was ready to present its election offer to South Africans after months of policy development and campaign preparations.
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“Our manifesto launch is the moment that we will share with the country our contract with the people of this country for local government. We know that political parties tend to break their promises. And if you look at the coalition chaos, they tend to break them repeatedly. But the DA keeps ours,” Sarupen said.
He said the party’s election commitments would be grounded in practical governance rather than unrealistic promises.
“The DA is making an offer based on our experience in government, now in all three spheres of government, based on research and data, and based on aspirations for a better future for all South Africans. Our offers and our promises are implementable and will bring meaningful change to the lives of South Africans,” he said.
Sarupen argued that deteriorating local government across the country had heightened the importance of this year’s election campaign, saying many municipalities were facing severe governance and financial challenges.
“Services are failing, infrastructure is collapsing, and bloated administrations devour resources that should be spent on services. Getting into government there and turning these towns and cities around and getting them working is the mission of the DA,” he said.
According to the party, the manifesto has now been finalised and approved following an extensive policy development process.
Saturday’s event is expected to combine politics with entertainment, with thousands of supporters anticipated to fill Mary Fitzgerald Square.
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The DA says it has constructed one of the largest outdoor stages in its history, stretching approximately 50 metres wide and 15 metres high.
The programme will feature musical performances by Big Zulu, DJ Lady Leah and a surprise guest DJ.
The addresses will be delivered by Johannesburg mayoral candidate Helen Zille, Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate Khathutshelo Rasilingwane and Tshwane mayoral candidate Cilliers Brink.
Federal Chair and Gauteng leader Solly Msimanga will deliver his address, followed by another entertainment segment, before federal leader Geordin Hill-Lewis formally unveils the party’s manifesto.
DA spokesperson on Social Development Nazley Sharif, speaking on Friday, said supporters could expect both entertainment and key political announcements.
“Tomorrow we have an incredible programme coming your way. We’ll be having incredible performers right here on this stage. We’ll be hearing from political speakers, but most importantly, we’ll be hearing from DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis, who will be speaking about the manifesto that will get your towns and your cities working forward,” Sharif said.
The DA has deliberately chosen Johannesburg as the venue for the launch, describing it as a strategic battleground in the upcoming elections.
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Sarupen said the party was targeting Johannesburg and other Gauteng metros as part of its broader national campaign.
“We’re holding this rally in Newtown, Johannesburg as an unequivocal statement of intent. We’re in the heart of Johannesburg because we’re targeting this metro and all metros in Gauteng as well as all metros across the country,” he said.
Following Saturday’s launch, the DA says it will begin taking its manifesto to communities across the country as it intensifies campaigning ahead of the November elections.
