By Teboho Moloi
QWAQWA – Political analyst Valerio Manzini says President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent praise for the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) governance record is a major setback for the African National Congress (ANC) ahead of the 2026 elections.
Speaking at the GoldRush Dome, FNB Stadium in Soweto on Monday, September 15, Ramaphosa admitted that DA-run municipalities outperform ANC-led councils. He urged ANC councillors to “learn from them,” noting that competition in governance was healthy.
“Those municipalities that do best are not ANC-controlled municipalities. They are often DA-controlled,” Ramaphosa told delegates.Manzini said the remarks amount to a rare public admission that the ANC is failing to deliver effective local government.
“Ramaphosa’s speech confirms that the DA is governing better at municipal level, which undermines the ANC’s image and campaign strength,” he explained.
However, Manzini suggested Ramaphosa may also be playing a tactical game. “By acknowledging the DA’s successes, he positions himself as a realistic and self-aware leader. This could soften public anger by showing honesty, even in admitting weaknesses,” he said.
Still, the DA is expected to seize on Ramaphosa’s comments as validation of its performance. “They will definitely use this as proof that even the ANC president agrees they govern better locally,” Manzini added.
Ramaphosa cited Stellenbosch as an example of good municipal management, urging ANC councillors to improve governance and administration if the party hopes to recover ground.
