ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa has told the party’s top leadership that the organisation must shift “decisively from talk to implementation”, warning that South Africans want visible change, not speeches and slogans.

Ramaphosa delivered the closing remarks at the ANC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) Lekgotla in Boksburg, held at the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre between 24 and 26 January 2026. The gathering brought together senior leaders to receive reports from commissions and map out priorities and work plans for the year ahead.

According to the ANC leader, the reports presented at the lekgotla set out what must be done, and include timelines for delivery. He said the party must focus on practical changes that improve people’s lives — from how government programmes are implemented to how officials are held accountable for results.

In a strong message on internal governance, Ramaphosa emphasised the need to deploy capable people into positions of responsibility, saying those appointed must be able to fulfil the duties of their offices. He also said monitoring mechanisms would be strengthened so that decisions are based on evidence rather than factional or personal interests.

The remarks come amid mounting public frustration over slow service delivery, as communities across the country continue to face challenges such as water interruptions, failing infrastructure, crime and unemployment. Ramaphosa’s message to the party was that credibility will be rebuilt through measurable performance, not promises.

The ANC’s public communications around the lekgotla stressed execution and accountability, with commission work intended to consolidate policy direction and implementation plans.

For communities, including those in Mpumalanga, the real test will be whether the commitments discussed in Boksburg translate into improved services on the ground — and whether underperforming officials face consequences when targets are missed