What have the councils done on water?
Things a metro council did, did not do or cancelled. Tap one to see the check.
What have parties claimed on water?
Things a party said, or said about another party. We checked each one. Tap one to see the check.
What does each party promise on water?
Tap a line for the full promise and its source. The order changes on each visit.
ActionSAMake water security a priority in every council it runs.
ActionSA promises to make water security a top goal. It would do this in each (Council The group of elected people who make decisions for a municipality. They pass its budget and choose the mayor.) it runs. Water security means there is enough safe water.
ACDPHave private experts fix leaks, replace faulty meters and remove illegal connections.
The ACDP promises to use experts from private firms to fix leaks. They would also replace faulty meters and remove illegal water links. This is to give a reliable water supply.
ANCCut lost or unbilled water below 30% in every metro.
The ANC promises to cut the share of water that is lost or not billed. It would be below 30% in every (Metro A big city with one council for the whole city, such as Johannesburg or Cape Town. There are 8. Voters there get 2 ballot papers.) within five years.
AMMProvide clean, reliable water to every community.
The AMM promises that its (Council The group of elected people who make decisions for a municipality. They pass its budget and choose the mayor.) will give clean water that people can rely on. This would be for each community.
Al Jama-ahSend quick ward repair teams to stop leaks, and use smart meters.
Al Jama-ah promises quick repair teams in each (Ward A small area inside a municipality. Each one elects one councillor.) to stop water leaks. It also promises smart meters to cut water that is lost or not paid for.
BOSAShield schools, clinics and hospitals from planned water cuts.
BOSA promises that in (Council The group of elected people who make decisions for a municipality. They pass its budget and choose the mayor.) it leads, schools, clinics and hospitals would be protected from planned water cuts. It says it would also fix the failing infrastructure that makes planned water cuts necessary. BOSA calls this protection a "non-negotiable governance principle", which means it is not open to bargaining.
DAKeep water money apart to replace old pipes and fix leaks.
The DA promises to keep the money (Council The group of elected people who make decisions for a municipality. They pass its budget and choose the mayor.) earn from water apart. It would spend it on new pipes to replace old ones and on fixing leaks. It would also upgrade wastewater systems.
EFFFix water leaks within a day of being reported.
The EFF promises that the (Council The group of elected people who make decisions for a municipality. They pass its budget and choose the mayor.) would fix a water leak within one day after someone reports it. A water leak is water escaping from a broken pipe.
FF+Use modern technology to find water leaks and repair them early.
The FF+ promises to use modern technology to find water leaks and repair them early. It says this would help prevent large-scale water outages, where many people lose water at once. It also says (Council The group of elected people who make decisions for a municipality. They pass its budget and choose the mayor.) should first upgrade the water systems they already have.
GOODPrice water in tiers by household size and need, not only use.
GOOD promises to price water in tiers based on household size and need, not only on how much is used. Tiers are steps with different prices. Its Cape Town plan says a family of six should not face the same limit as a single pensioner.
IFPEnsure access to water, cut losses and fix leaks and burst pipes.
The IFP promises that (Council The group of elected people who make decisions for a municipality. They pass its budget and choose the mayor.) it runs will ensure access to water, cut water losses and fix leaks and burst pipes. Water losses are water that leaks or is lost on its way to homes. A burst pipe is a pipe that has broken open.
PAKeep water money apart, pay suppliers first and run 24-hour leak teams.
The PA promises to keep water money for water and to pay bulk water suppliers first. It promises to check reservoirs and pump stations and replace faulty meters. It also promises leak teams that work 24 hours a day.
Rise MzansiMake sure water runs.
Rise Mzansi's 2026 election website says water must run from the tap. It puts this first, with power and rubbish. It says a (Municipality The local government for your area. It looks after local services, such as water, rubbish removal and local roads. There are 257.) 'is judged on this and almost nothing else'. It gives no plan for how.
SACPPush for rapid response teams for leaks, sewer spills and power faults.
The SACP promises to push for rapid response teams. They would deal with water leaks, sewer spills, power faults and dangerous pipes, roads and power lines.
UDMLook after water systems and find and reduce leaks.
The UDM promises that UDM-led (Council The group of elected people who make decisions for a municipality. They pass its budget and choose the mayor.) would keep water systems in good working order, and find leaks and cut them. For basic services in general, it says councils would fix and protect what already exists before starting expensive new projects. Leak detection means finding where water escapes from pipes.
No party with a promise on water matches.
We found no 2026 promise on water from these parties yet. A party with no promise here may have none, or may not have published its plans. It is not marked down: ATM, NCC, PAC, MK, UAT.
Not sure which topic matters most? Pick yours and see which parties promised it, with a link to where it said so.
Take the quizWhat have the councils done on electricity and power cuts?
Things a metro council did, did not do or cancelled. Tap one to see the check.
What have parties claimed on electricity and power cuts?
Things a party said, or said about another party. We checked each one. Tap one to see the check.
What does each party promise on electricity and power cuts?
Tap a line for the full promise and its source. The order changes on each visit.
ActionSAStrengthen council power networks and cut avoidable outages.
ActionSA promises that (Council The group of elected people who make decisions for a municipality. They pass its budget and choose the mayor.) would make their power networks stronger and have fewer outages that could be avoided. It says it would maintain and gradually replace ageing substations, transformers and cables. It also says it would tackle illegal connections, meter tampering and electricity theft.
ACDPMake councils replace old power lines, cut illegal connections and maintain them.
The ACDP promises that (Council The group of elected people who make decisions for a municipality. They pass its budget and choose the mayor.) will replace old power lines. They would cut illegal connections. They would also look after their power systems.
ANCRaise monthly free basic electricity for homes that qualify.
The ANC promises to raise the amount of free basic electricity each month. This is for homes that qualify.
AMMMaintain substations, fix power lines, improve street lights and add renewable energy.
The AMM promises to look after transformers and substations. It promises to fix power lines. It also promises that (Council The group of elected people who make decisions for a municipality. They pass its budget and choose the mayor.) will use renewable energy. And it promises better street lights.
Al Jama-ahCombine high-mast lights, grid protection, solar and private power in one plan.
Al Jama-ah promises one plan for energy. It would repair high-mast lights and protect the power network. It would also add solar power and power from private producers.
BOSAPublish how fast councils will fix power, water and sewage faults.
BOSA promises service charters (public service standards) for (Ward A small area inside a municipality. Each one elects one councillor.) and (Council The group of elected people who make decisions for a municipality. They pass its budget and choose the mayor.). These would show how fast the council will fix faults. This is for faults with power, water and sewage.
DAKeep electricity money apart for the grid and let councils trade power.
The DA promises to keep the money from (Council The group of elected people who make decisions for a municipality. They pass its budget and choose the mayor.) electricity sales apart. It would be used for the power network. It also promises to let councils buy and sell their own power.
EFFStop extra charges on prepaid meters and install them for free.
The EFF promises that (Council The group of elected people who make decisions for a municipality. They pass its budget and choose the mayor.) would stop adding extra charges to prepaid electricity meters. It also promises to install prepaid meters for free. A prepaid meter is one where you pay for electricity before you use it.
FF+Encourage private firms to make electricity.
The FF+ promises that (Municipality The local government for your area. It looks after local services, such as water, rubbish removal and local roads. There are 257.) would encourage private firms to make electricity. It also says (Council The group of elected people who make decisions for a municipality. They pass its budget and choose the mayor.) should start their own affordable and sustainable projects that make power in other ways. It says residents who switch to renewable electricity should get rebates, which means money back.
GOODMake the cheaper Lifeline power price easier to get, for more homes.
GOOD promises to remove the conditions on Lifeline electricity tariffs. It also promises to raise the thresholds. These set which homes can get them.
IFPLook after council power networks and repair streetlights.
The IFP promises that (Council The group of elected people who make decisions for a municipality. They pass its budget and choose the mayor.) it runs will look after their power networks and repair streetlights. A power network is the cables, poles and equipment that carry electricity to homes and businesses.
PAProtect electricity money, pay Eskom first and repair substations.
The PA promises to protect the money people pay for electricity. It promises to pay Eskom first and to repair substations.
Rise MzansiKeep the lights on.
Rise Mzansi's 2026 election website says the lights must stay on. It lists this with water and rubbish, and gives no plan for how.
SACPPush for fair prices for poor homes and no punitive cut-offs.
The SACP promises to push for fair water and power prices that favour poor homes. It also promises to protect a basic lifeline supply. And it promises to end cut-offs that punish poor people.
UDMProvide reliable power and keep council power networks safe.
The UDM promises power that people can rely on. It also promises to keep (Council The group of elected people who make decisions for a municipality. They pass its budget and choose the mayor.) power networks safe.
No party with a promise on electricity and power cuts matches.
We found no 2026 promise on electricity and power cuts from these parties yet. A party with no promise here may have none, or may not have published its plans. It is not marked down: ATM, NCC, PAC, MK, UAT.
Not sure which topic matters most? Pick yours and see which parties promised it, with a link to where it said so.
Take the quizWhat have the councils done on rubbish?
Things a metro council did, did not do or cancelled. Tap one to see the check.
We have not checked a council record on rubbish yet.
What does each party promise on rubbish?
Tap a line for the full promise and its source. The order changes on each visit.
ActionSACollect refuse regularly, on a set plan, in formal and informal areas.
ActionSA promises that rubbish will be picked up often, on a set plan. This would be in both formal and informal areas.
ACDPBuild more plants that turn waste into energy, to cut landfill use.
The ACDP promises to manage waste better by building more plants that turn waste into energy. This means less waste goes to landfill.
ANCMake refuse collection reliable in every municipality within five years.
The ANC promises that rubbish will be picked up reliably in each (Municipality The local government for your area. It looks after local services, such as water, rubbish removal and local roads. There are 257.). This would be done within five years.
AMMCollect refuse regularly, fight illegal dumping and turn waste into jobs.
The AMM promises regular refuse collection. It also promises to fight illegal dumping and turn waste into jobs.
Al Jama-ahCollect refuse daily, clear illegal dumps and use local cleaning teams.
Al Jama-ah promises to pick up refuse on a set daily plan. It also promises to clear illegal dumping sites. And it promises to use local cleaning teams.
BOSAUpdate poor-household lists so qualifying homes get free basic services.
BOSA promises to keep indigent registers up to date. These are lists of poor homes. This is so that homes that qualify get free basic water, power and refuse removal.
DAExplore deals with private firms to collect waste and recycling.
The DA promises to look into deals with private firms. These would be to pick up waste and recycling.
EFFCollect waste reliably in all communities.
The EFF promises that (Council The group of elected people who make decisions for a municipality. They pass its budget and choose the mayor.) would collect waste dependably in every community. Waste collection means that the council takes away rubbish.
FF+Run working refuse removal and legal dumps with recycling projects.
The FF+ promises refuse removal that works. It also promises legal landfill sites (dumps) with recycling projects.
IFPCollect rubbish regularly and improve waste disposal sites.
The IFP promises that (Council The group of elected people who make decisions for a municipality. They pass its budget and choose the mayor.) it runs will collect rubbish often. It also promises to improve the sites where waste is taken.
PAGuarantee a weekly rubbish day, publish missed collections and recycle more.
The PA promises a fixed weekly day for rubbish collection. It promises to publish missed collections. It also promises more recycling and composting.
Rise MzansiMake sure rubbish gets collected.
Rise Mzansi's 2026 election website calls for refuse (rubbish) that gets collected.
SACPPush for safe, reliable rubbish collection and community recycling.
The SACP promises to push for rubbish to be picked up in a safe, reliable way. It also promises to push for recycling in communities.
UDMCollect rubbish regularly.
The UDM promises that UDM-led (Council The group of elected people who make decisions for a municipality. They pass its budget and choose the mayor.) would take away refuse, which is household rubbish, on a regular basis and keep communities clean. For services in general, it also lists clear delivery schedules and regular reports to communities.
No party with a promise on rubbish matches.
We found no 2026 promise on rubbish from these parties yet. A party with no promise here may have none, or may not have published its plans. It is not marked down: ATM, GOOD, NCC, PAC, MK, UAT.
Not sure which topic matters most? Pick yours and see which parties promised it, with a link to where it said so.
Take the quizWhat have the councils done on toilets and sewage?
Things a metro council did, did not do or cancelled. Tap one to see the check.
What does each party promise on toilets and sewage?
Tap a line for the full promise and its source. The order changes on each visit.
ActionSAWork step by step towards safe, dignified sanitation for every home.
ActionSA promises to work step by step so that each home has safe sanitation. This means safe toilets and sewage.
ACDPReplace shared toilets and bucket toilets with proper water and sewer pipes.
The ACDP promises to replace shared toilets and bucket toilets with large water and sewer systems that serve a whole area. It says this would restore dignity and safety. It also says sewage treatment plants and land-fill sites must keep pace with new housing, to prevent pollution.
ANCStop sewer spills and improve wastewater treatment.
The ANC promises that (Municipality The local government for your area. It looks after local services, such as water, rubbish removal and local roads. There are 257.) would stop sewage from overflowing and get better at treating wastewater. A sewer spill is when sewage flows out of pipes, and wastewater is used water from homes and drains. It also says it would repair ageing infrastructure and treat sewage in rivers as an urgent public health risk.
AMMFix sewage plants and sewers, stop sewage spills and end bucket toilets.
The AMM promises to fix sewage plants and sewer pipes. It promises to stop raw sewage running into streets and rivers, and to get rid of bucket toilets.
Al Jama-ahOverhaul the main sewer pipes to end repeated sewage overflows.
Al Jama-ah promises a full overhaul of the main sewer pipes. The aim is to end sewage overflows that keep happening.
BOSACreate local wastewater treatment for firms and communities, with training.
BOSA promises local ways to treat dirty water. These would be for firms and for communities. It also promises training to run them.
DAPut investment in wastewater treatment first.
The DA promises that (Council The group of elected people who make decisions for a municipality. They pass its budget and choose the mayor.) would put investment in treating wastewater first. It says they would fast-track funding plans from private companies and work with private operators to upgrade treatment plants. Wastewater is used water from homes and drains.
EFFGet rid of all bucket toilets and unsafe pit toilets.
The EFF promises to end the use of bucket toilets and unsafe pit toilets. It also promises that everyone would have access to dignified sanitation services. Sanitation means toilets and the systems that take waste away.
FF+Make upgrading and maintaining sewage treatment works a top priority.
The FF+ promises to make upgrading and maintaining sewage treatment works a top priority. These works are plants that clean sewage. It says infrastructure grants, which are national government money for infrastructure, should pay to upgrade existing sewage systems.
GOODBring water, toilets and power to informal settlements, where people already live.
GOOD promises water, sanitation and power in informal settlements. Sanitation means toilets and sewers. It would bring these to the places where people live now.
IFPLook after wastewater treatment systems that clean used water.
The IFP promises that (Council The group of elected people who make decisions for a municipality. They pass its budget and choose the mayor.) it runs will look after wastewater treatment systems. Wastewater is used water, such as water from toilets and sinks. A treatment system is a plant that cleans it.
PAEnd remaining bucket toilets, repair wastewater works and run 24-hour sewer teams.
The PA promises to end the remaining bucket toilets and repair wastewater works. It promises to look after communal toilets. It also promises sewer teams that respond 24 hours a day.
SACPPush to end bucket toilets and plan decent, permanent toilets with communities.
The SACP promises to push for bucket toilets to be removed completely. It wants decent, permanent toilets, planned with the people who live there.
UDMLook after toilet and sewer systems.
The UDM promises that UDM-led (Council The group of elected people who make decisions for a municipality. They pass its budget and choose the mayor.) would keep toilet and sewer systems in working order. For services in general, it also lists proper asset management, which means keeping track of what the council owns, and planning repairs before things break. A sewer is an underground pipe that carries waste away.
No party with a promise on toilets and sewage matches.
We found no 2026 promise on toilets and sewage from these parties yet. A party with no promise here may have none, or may not have published its plans. It is not marked down: ATM, NCC, PAC, Rise Mzansi, MK, UAT.
Not sure which topic matters most? Pick yours and see which parties promised it, with a link to where it said so.
Take the quizWhat have the councils done on roads?
Things a metro council did, did not do or cancelled. Tap one to see the check.
We have not checked a council record on roads yet.
What does each party promise on roads?
Tap a line for the full promise and its source. The order changes on each visit.
ActionSASet clear standards for fixing potholes and other dangerous road damage.
ActionSA promises to set clear rules for how potholes are fixed. This also goes for other road damage that is a danger.
ACDPMake councils maintain roads and fix potholes, traffic and street lights fast.
The ACDP promises to make sure (Metro A big city with one council for the whole city, such as Johannesburg or Cape Town. There are 8. Voters there get 2 ballot papers.) and (Municipality The local government for your area. It looks after local services, such as water, rubbish removal and local roads. There are 257.) look after roads. They should fix potholes fast. They should also fix faulty traffic lights and street lights.
ANCFix potholes and maintain council roads, bridges and stormwater drains.
The ANC promises that (Council The group of elected people who make decisions for a municipality. They pass its budget and choose the mayor.) would repair potholes and keep up the roads, bridges and stormwater drains they are responsible for. Stormwater drains carry rain water away from roads. The ANC says (Municipality The local government for your area. It looks after local services, such as water, rubbish removal and local roads. There are 257.) would also deal with flooding and waterlogging.
AMMSet up permanent council teams for roads and stormwater drains.
The AMM promises that (Council The group of elected people who make decisions for a municipality. They pass its budget and choose the mayor.) would have standing teams that work on roads and stormwater drains all the time. It says road maintenance "must become continuous work, not an election-time event". Stormwater drains carry rain water away from roads.
Al Jama-ahFix neglected roads in townships and suburbs.
Al Jama-ah promises a major overhaul of neglected roads in townships and suburbs. In the same line it promises (Ward A small area inside a municipality. Each one elects one councillor.)-based rapid repair teams and an end to water leaks. A ward is a small area with its own (Councillor A person elected to make decisions for a municipality, such as the budget and who the mayor is. Each one holds one seat.).
BOSAPublish repair-time targets for potholes and traffic lights, and report on them.
BOSA promises to publish time targets for fixing potholes and traffic lights. It also promises to report in public on whether it meets them.
DAPut upkeep and upgrades of roads, intersections, traffic lights and signs first.
The DA promises that its (Council The group of elected people who make decisions for a municipality. They pass its budget and choose the mayor.) will put the upkeep of roads first. This includes intersections, traffic lights and road signs.
EFFKeep all council roads safe and usable.
The EFF promises that (Council The group of elected people who make decisions for a municipality. They pass its budget and choose the mayor.) would look after every municipal road so that it stays safe and people can use it. A municipal road is a road that the (Local municipality A municipality for a town or rural area outside the metros. There are 205.) looks after.
FF+Spend funds and grants on key works, including roads.
The FF+ promises to spend funds and grants on key works, including roads, water, sewerage and electricity. It says this must come before spending on things such as sports stadiums. It also says no grant money should go unspent.
GOODSet fixed deadlines for fixing potholes, streetlights and basic maintenance.
GOOD promises fixed deadlines for fixing potholes, streetlight outages and basic maintenance. Its Cape Town plan says repair times would be measured and reported the same way everywhere. It also says one City-wide service standard would be published in its first six months.
IFPRepair council roads, bridges and stormwater systems.
The IFP promises that (Council The group of elected people who make decisions for a municipality. They pass its budget and choose the mayor.) it runs will repair council roads, bridges and stormwater systems. Stormwater systems are the drains and channels that carry rain away from streets. The IFP describes these roads, bridges and drains as "deteriorating", which means getting worse.
PAClean drains before the rainy season and track road repairs.
The PA promises cleaning before the rainy season. This is because it links potholes to blocked stormwater drains. It promises to track repairs. It also promises back-up power for busy traffic lights. And it promises better taxi ranks.
SACPPush for proper upkeep and repair of township and village roads.
The SACP says it would fight for roads in townships and villages to be kept in good order and repaired. It says municipal roads should be treated as essential public infrastructure, not an afterthought. The same list includes a (Ward A small area inside a municipality. Each one elects one councillor.)-by-ward audit of services including roads, and a public maintenance plan with budgets and completion dates.
UDMLook after council roads, stormwater drains and street lights.
The UDM promises that UDM-led (Council The group of elected people who make decisions for a municipality. They pass its budget and choose the mayor.) would maintain council roads, the drains that carry rain water away, and street lights. In another part of its (Manifesto A party's written list of its plans and promises for an election.), it also lists regular clearing of stormwater drains and waterways to reduce flood risks.
No party with a promise on roads matches.
We found no 2026 promise on roads from these parties yet. A party with no promise here may have none, or may not have published its plans. It is not marked down: ATM, NCC, PAC, Rise Mzansi, MK, UAT.
Not sure which topic matters most? Pick yours and see which parties promised it, with a link to where it said so.
Take the quiz