WATCH | Ramaphosa warns future ANC councillors: ‘We don’t want thieves’

Cyril Ramaphosa

Mpumalanga – ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa has warned future ANC councillors against corruption, saying those elected after the 4 November local government elections must serve with integrity or face removal.

Speaking at the end of the ANC’s campaign trail in Emalahleni, Mpumalanga on Sunday, Ramaphosa urged South Africans to register to vote, stressing that citizens should not “sit on the sidelines” but actively shape the country’s future.

He issued a strong warning to corrupt public officials, declaring: “Those who steal money from the government, be warned,” adding that “thieves are getting arrested, and there will be more arrests.”

Addressing prospective ANC councillors, he said: “We don’t want thieves. We want those who have morals and discipline,” warning that those without integrity would be removed.

Ramaphosa also referred to the Madlanga Commission, saying corrupt police officers appearing before the inquiry were being held accountable.

He remarked that some were so fearful of appearing before the commission that they were trying to avoid it, joking that some even went to hospital and “are always in the toilet.”

Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission of South Africa said it is awaiting the official proclamation of the 2026 local government election date, after which it will publish the election timetable and begin preparations, including printing more than 70 million ballot papers.

The developments come amid growing concern over voter apathy, with recent HSRC and IEC survey findings showing public support for democracy has fallen to a historic low of 36%, down from 65% in the mid-2000s.

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