ANC faces tough road to regain voters’ trust

LEKGOTLA OUTCOMES

- DR RENEVA FOURIE

THE ANC lekgotla, which took place on January 24 and 25, in line with its 2026 theme, 'Decisive action to fix local government and transform the economy,' ended on a high note with a spirit of seriousness, cohesion and determination.

The gathering reflected an organisation conscious of the responsibility it carries and aware of the urgency required to restore the confidence of South Africans through practical and people-focused governance.

The lekgotla took place at a time when several positive economic indicators were still resonating. The removal of South Africa from the Financial Action Task Force grey list marked an important moment of renewed international credibility and regulatory confidence. This development contributed to the strengthening of the rand against the dollar, reaching its highest level in nearly four years.

These signals of recovery were further reinforced by emerging economic growth, with Business Leadership South Africa stating that the economy entered 2026 on its strongest footing in more than a decade. While these gains remain fragile, they provided a constructive backdrop for the lekgotla's discussions on economic transformation and state capacity.

One of the most encouraging aspects of the lekgotla was the tone adopted by the leadership of the ANC. Hearing leaders genuinely recognise past wrongs and demonstrating a fervent determination to do better and make a tangible difference in the lives of ordinary people was refreshing. There was a notable absence of complacency.

Deliberations were focused, action-driven and centred on measurable outcomes. Clear deadlines were set, and there was a strong emphasis on stricter monitoring of decisions and the consistent enforcement of accountability across all spheres of government.