BLOEMFONTEIN, Free State — The Patriotic Alliance has officially launched its 2026 Local Government Elections manifesto in Bloemfontein, setting the stage for a highly contested municipal race. Addressing thousands of supporters at the Dr. Petrus Molemela Stadium, party leadership outlined a service-delivery-focused agenda while navigating complex post-election coalition dynamics.
The launch marks a critical milestone as the party, established over a decade ago, contests local government elections for the second time. With the municipal polls scheduled for early November, the event in the Free State capital holds special significance, as it is the hometown of party President Gayton McKenzie. Despite drizzling weather, crowds gathered patiently from across the country—including the Western Cape and Gauteng—to hear the keynote address.
Patriotic Alliance Deputy President Kenny Kunene, who is also the mayoral candidate for Johannesburg, explained the strategic choice of venue. He noted that the party rotates its major rallies across different provinces to show equal commitment to all support bases. Kunene expressed confidence in filling the 20,000-capacity stadium, stating the party has grown organically since its electoral breakthrough in 2022 and its subsequent entry into the Government of National Unity in 2024.
Describing the Patriotic Alliance as a “service delivery orientated party” rather than one bound by traditional left or right ideologies, Kunene highlighted the core pillars of the newly unveiled manifesto. Key priorities include ensuring access to basic services like water and electricity, job creation, and a strict stance on illegal immigration. Kunene argued that irregular migration has led to overcrowded hospitals and schools, as well as increased crime and building hijackings.
“We do not promise. God promises and keeps his promises. Patriotic Alliance commits,” Kunene stated, emphasizing the party’s faith-based commitments and noting that the first point of their manifesto is putting God first, followed by zero tolerance for illegal immigration.
When questioned about potential coalition partners, Kunene maintained a pragmatic approach, asserting that the party is willing to work with any political organization—including the Democratic Alliance (DA)—that aligns with their service delivery goals. “Ideologies don’t deliver service delivery,” he remarked, adding that voters have clearly indicated they want parties to work together.
Kunene also directed sharp criticism at former DA leader Helen Zille, who recently came out of retirement to contest the Johannesburg mayoralty. He accused her of targeting him and McKenzie specifically to disrupt their plans, rather than focusing on serving the city’s residents. Kunene further alleged that Zille historically neglected black and colored communities in the Western Cape in favor of affluent white areas, labeling her a “white supremacist” who uses minority votes merely as a means to an end.
Addressing recent pundit claims that President McKenzie has toned down his popular “Abahambe” (Let us go / Put South Africans first) slogan since joining the national cabinet as Minister of Sport, Kunene defended the party leader. He clarified that while McKenzie champions the slogan within his ministerial duties to influence national policy, he will continue to use it passionately as the political leader of the party.
On the ground, supporters echoed the party’s focus on grassroots issues. A supporter from Heidelberg, emphasized the need for clear directives to candidates to tackle crime and youth unemployment. Another supporter traveling from George, praised McKenzie for his recent hands-on visits to informal settlements. Meanwhile, another supporter, also from the Southern Cape, highlighted the dire need for better housing, youth facilities, and improved education, urging voters to give the party a chance to enact real change after decades of perceived stagnation.
As the Patriotic Alliance wraps up its Bloemfontein launch, the party aims to translate its grassroots momentum into tangible municipal victories, proving that its message resonates with ordinary South Africans demanding better governance.
