Building better communities through service delivery
Roads and infrastructure: connecting Nkangala to a better life
As communities prepare for the local government elections on 4 November 2026, roads and infrastructure remain central to improving everyday life across Nkangala.
For residents, infrastructure development means more than construction sites. It means safer journeys to school, easier access to clinics, dependable transport to work and stronger connections to economic opportunities.
Under the vision “Let Us Continue to Build Better Communities Together”, the ANC’s 2026 Local Government Manifesto outlines six action areas for the term ending in 2031.
At the centre is Action One: Quality Services and Infrastructure That Work for All, which prioritises reliable, quality and affordable water, sanitation, electricity, roads, refuse removal and well-maintained infrastructure as foundations for dignity and development.
The other five action areas are:
Action Two: Driving Investment, Job Creation and Local Economic Development.
Action Three: Safe, Clean, Healthy and Resilient Communities.
Action Four: Sustainable and People-Centred Municipal Finances.
Action Five: Capable, Stable, Ethical and Accountable Local Government.
Action Six: Community Participation and Effective Communication.
Building on infrastructure investment
In Steve Tshwete, 15.9 kilometres of new access roads have been constructed in areas including Kwazamokuhle, Newtown, Rockdale, Tokologo and Aerorand. Spending on access roads amounted to R68 million, while 31.12 kilometres of roads were resealed at a cost of R15.3 million.
These investments help improve daily travel, access for emergency vehicles and conditions for businesses moving goods and serving customers.
Road improvements have been supported by 14.93 kilometres of stormwater infrastructure across several communities. Effective drainage helps protect roads and homes from flooding and extends the lifespan of municipal infrastructure.
Further improvements include the installation of 48 highmast lights and upgrades to the Cowen Ntuli Street taxi rank, including hawker stalls and covered parking.
In eMalahleni, 12.5 kilometres of roads have been rehabilitated and resealed, including Diedrick, Mathews Phosa, Christiaan De Wet and Universe streets. These improvements form part of efforts to address poor road conditions and infrastructure backlogs affecting residents and businesses.
Other improvements include the electrification of 8,662 households and the replacement of 150 highmast lights with LED lighting. Together with road rehabilitation, these investments can support safer neighbourhoods, more accessible transport routes and improved trading conditions.
Maintaining infrastructure that works
The ANC manifesto commits to repairing potholes and maintaining roads, bridges, drainage and stormwater systems. Its first 100 days programme includes repairing streetlights, clearing blocked drains and restoring road markings and signage.
The manifesto also sets a target of investing at least 8% of municipal asset value annually in infrastructure maintenance and renewal. This commitment recognises that building new infrastructure must be accompanied by maintaining existing assets.
Keeping streetlights, pedestrian crossings and traffic signs in working order is particularly important around schools, taxi ranks and busy public spaces.
Turning commitments into measurable delivery
Sustaining these improvements requires funded maintenance, capable technical teams and clear accountability.
For the next five-year term, the ANC’s programme places emphasis on reliable services, stronger municipal capacity and measurable improvements in every ward.
Residents should experience this progress through safer roads, fewer disruptions, accessible public facilities and services that make everyday life easier.
Roads must connect people to opportunity. Building better communities requires infrastructure that works—and continues to work.
