THEMBISA, Gauteng — The Afrika Mayibuye Movement (AMM) has officially launched its manifesto for the 2026 Local Government Elections, outlining a comprehensive plan centered on job creation, water access, and immediate service delivery. Speaking at the Tlamatlama Sports Ground in Thembisa, party leadership detailed their strategic vision to capture municipal councils across the country in the upcoming November 4 polls.
A Focus on Industrialization and Abolishing Tenders
Party President Floyd Shivambu introduced the movement’s election slogan, “Jobs, water and service delivery now,” framing it as a direct response to South Africa’s unemployment crisis, which currently exceeds 40%. Shivambu highlighted that approximately 13 million job-seeking citizens are currently unemployed, arguing that the sitting government lacks both the capacity and the willingness to address the crisis.
To combat this, the party proposes a massive industrialization drive. Shivambu advocated for the local manufacturing of clothing, electronics, and motor vehicles rather than relying on imports from countries like China and the US. Furthermore, Shivambu promised to abolish the municipal tender system, arguing that tenders and “tenderpreneurs” are at the root of local government corruption. Instead, the party plans to train and employ residents directly to build and maintain municipal infrastructure, including roads and water systems.
Ekurhuleni Mayoral Candidate Addresses Past and Platform
For the City of Ekurhuleni, the party has fielded Themba “Skeem GP” Nzimande as its mayoral candidate. Nzimande, a television presenter and community activist, directly addressed questions regarding his past as an ex-convict and his lack of formal political experience. Defending his candidacy, Nzimande emphasized his two decades of community foundation work, noting his extensive grassroots outreach in schools regarding bullying, substance abuse, and gender-based violence.
As mayoral candidate, Nzimande pledged to revitalize closed factories, tackle the region’s crime rates, ensure a bankable water and electricity supply, and enhance revenue collection by targeting mega-companies rather than overburdening everyday residents.
Defending the Lineup and Setting Coalition Terms
Shivambu strongly defended Nzimande against claims that he is merely a “celebrity candidate.” The party president highlighted Nzimande’s grassroots mobilization, anti-crime campaigns, and successful rehabilitation, arguing that his lived experience and community dedication make him a more effective leader than traditional politicians with long but corrupt track records.
Looking ahead to the post-election landscape, Shivambu clarified the party’s stance on coalition governments. He stated that the Afrika Mayibuye Movement is willing to work with any political party—including the ANC, DA, MK Party, and EFF—provided that the party securing the highest number of votes is given the opportunity to field the mayor. Shivambu argued this principle is necessary to ensure stable, accountable governance and prevent the dysfunction seen in minority-led coalitions.
National Expansion and Community-Centered Candidates
Demonstrating its rapid national expansion, the Afrika Mayibuye Movement has registered 4,464 ward candidates across all nine provinces, making it the largest political party under five years old in South Africa. Shivambu noted that the party’s candidate selection process involved consulting traditional leadership councils, religious institutions, and community organizations to find genuine community builders.
Alongside Nzimande, the party’s mayoral lineup includes figures such as Bishop Vincent Jones and General Prince Mokotedi. Citing a joint Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) and Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) survey indicating that over 80% of South Africans have lost confidence in local government, Shivambu positioned the movement as the organic, people-centered alternative needed to revitalize neglected townships, informal settlements, and urban peripheries.
