SANCO members in Mamelodi, Tshwane photo by Dimakatso Modipa
By SANCO Greater Tshwane Region
The South African National Civic Organization (SANCO) Greater Tshwane Region convened a meeting of its branches across the city of Tshwane on 14 March 2026 to assess the organizational strength of SANCO on the ground, evaluate the functionality
of its structures, and deliberate on the political and socio-economic conditions affecting communities.
This important meeting brought together SANCO branches to review the organizational infrastructure of the movement, assess its grassroots presence, and reaffirm its historic mandate of organizing communities and defending the interests of the poor and working class.
The meeting reaffirmed that SANCO remains a product of the historic struggles of our people and is an important pillar of the Mass Democratic
Movement that supported the objectives of the National Democratic Revolution under the leadership of the African National Congress (ANC).
However, after frank and robust discussions, SANCO branches expressed serious concern about the current state of relations between civic organizations and sections of political leadership, particularly the growing perception that community structures are mobilized during elections but marginalized in governance and decision-making processes.
Branches emphasized that SANCO must reassert its independence and political
relevance as a civic movement that represents the organized voice of communities and must ensure that the interests of residents are not subordinated to internal political
configurations.
This means community problems and needs should not be ignored or sacrificed because politicians are busy fighting for power or positions inside their party.
The meeting further noted with concern statements from some leaders that reflect a worrying disconnect between political leadership and the daily struggles of ordinary people.
In this regard, the meeting strongly condemned the actions of a deputy minister who conducted a public campaign distributing bread to communities under
the slogan “one family, one loaf of bread.”
SANCO branches resolved that such actions are demeaning to the dignity of poor communities and reduce the serious crisis of poverty and food insecurity to a symbolic gesture.
Communities in Tshwane do not need charity campaigns that trivialize their hardships, but rather sustainable economic solutions, responsible leadership, and policies that address unemployment, inequality, and the rising cost of living.
The meeting also expressed concerns regarding remarks made by Panyaza Lesufi, Premier of Gauteng, during a press engagement addressing water shortages, where he indicated that he sometimes goes to a hotel to take a shower when water is unavailable.
SANCO branches resolved that such remarks are deeply insensitive to
communities that endure prolonged water shortages without the means to access such alternatives.
After careful deliberation, the meeting adopted the following resolutions:
1.SANCO branches reaffirm the organization’s historic mission to organize communities, defend the interests of residents, and hold leadership accountable to the people.
2.SANCO branches will intensify efforts to strengthen organizational capacity and consolidate civic structures across Tshwane.
3.SANCO declares that its political support cannot be automatic or taken for granted by any political formation.
4.SANCO Greater Tshwane Region will not form part of or mobilize its structures in support of the ANC in the 2026 local government elections until the ANC in Tshwane undertakes serious self correction and restores principled engagement with all alliance partners.
5.The meeting further resolved that SANCO must receive fair political recognition within the governance configuration of the City of Tshwane, including representation at the level of the Mayoral Committee (MMC), to ensure that the voice of communities is meaningfully represented within municipal governance.
Consequently, SANCO Tshwane suspends its participation in election mobilization
activities until meaningful socio-economic opportunities are created for SANCO volunteers who continue to dedicate their time to community work without sustainable livelihoods.
Volunteers remain at the forefront of community struggles, yet they continue to face unemployment, economic marginalization, and a lack of recognition for their contributions to community development.
SANCO Tshwane structures will not participate in election campaigning activities until concrete steps are taken to address the employment and empowerment of SANCO volunteers and activists.
In conclusion, SANCO remains principled, militant, and firmly rooted in the struggles of the people, ensuring that the interests and dignity of communities remain central to the political life of the City of Tshwane.
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