DA wants private companies to fix municipal services

DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis speaks as his party launched its election manifesto in Newtown, Johannesburg, on 8 August 2026. Picture: Facebook/Democratic Alliance The DA launched its election manifesto in Newtown, Johannesburg, on Saturday, with party leader Geordin Hill-Lewis promising to fix basic services and end corruption in local government. Hill-Lewis emphasised that the DA will focus on the supply of water and electricity, and will use the private sector to help municipal entities provide these services.

He also said that tax money will be ringfenced for these services. “Every rand collected for water will be protected for water. And every rand collected for electricity will be protected for electricity.

“Your money will no longer be treated as a political slush fund. It must be used to repair pipes, maintain substations and replace cables. It must not disappear into inflated salaries, political projects or corrupt contracts,” he said.

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The DA leader said towns should be allowed to buy and sell their own power, while private companies should be used to fix water systems when municipalities don’t have the capability. He added that local governments will partner with businesses to restore parks, libraries, clinics, pools and sports facilities. Hill-Lewis also said that the DA will root out corruption and cadre deployment in local government.

He promised to fix billing systems and make procurement less murky. “Everywhere we govern we will root corruption out ruthlessly. We will make procurement transparent. We will fix billing systems.”

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