Supporters of the Democratic Alliance at the party's local government elections manifesto launch held at the Mary Fitzgerald Square in Johannesburg on August 8. The DA’s policies of austerity, privatisation and deregulation are not designed to serve the interests of ordinary people, says the writer.
Dr. Reneva Fourie
On 8 August 2026, the Democratic Alliance launched its manifesto for the local government elections under the slogan “Getting South Africa working for all”. In terms of priorities, the DA manifesto promises much the same as the last ANC local government manifesto.
It promises a corruption-free and professional administration, functioning water and electricity, cleaner, healthier and safer communities and local economic development. It is silent on land, housing, food security and gender equity.
The value of the manifesto must be considered alongside the record of DA-governed municipalities. The DA claims that where it governs, there is hope through clean government, better services and places that work for all. The evidence from its own municipalities tells a different story.
