MTHATHA, Eastern Cape — The African Movement Congress (AMC) has officially launched its election manifesto in Mthatha, positioning itself as a key political force ahead of the 2026 local government elections. By forming a strategic alliance with the Independent South African National Civic Organisation (ISANCO) and the Umsebenzi Workers Trade Union (UWTU), the party aims to translate civic expertise into political state power.
As smaller parties hit the campaign trail to contest municipal seats, the AMC has carved out a unique operational model. ISANCO, which currently holds seats in various municipalities across the Eastern Cape and Gauteng, will contest the upcoming November elections under the AMC banner. Under this partnership, ISANCO will manage civil matters, while the AMC will drive the political strategy.
Zukile Luyenge, representing ISANCO, has been named the AMC’s executive mayoral candidate for the King Sabata Dalindyebo (KSD) Local Municipality. Explaining the strategic alignment, Luyenge noted that participating in elections requires a dedicated political structure capable of fighting for state power. He emphasized the importance of understanding the underlying ideologies of the communities they serve. Luyenge confirmed that all existing expertise within ISANCO will be actively deployed into the political arena to support this vision.
At the core of the African Movement Congress’s campaign is a commitment to tangible improvements in local governance. Mandisi Ngxumza, the AMC regional coordinator, outlined the party’s direct promises to the electorate. He stated that the primary focus is to embark on a comprehensive service delivery program to ensure basic needs are consistently met by the people. Furthermore, Ngxumza addressed critical community safety concerns, pledging to implement strategies that will reverse the escalating crime rates in the town and restore security for residents.
