SOWETO – The Orlando Communal Hall was a sea of green and white on Saturday as the Al Jama-ah party officially launched its manifesto for the 2026 Local Government Elections, signaling an aggressive push to increase its footprint in municipal councils across the country.
Hundreds of supporters gathered in the historic township to hear party leader Ganief Hendricks outline a platform centered on social justice, community-led governance, and the implementation of Sharia-compliant municipal services. With local government being the coalface of service delivery, the party emphasized that this year’s election is a turning point for residents frustrated by crumbling infrastructure and bureaucratic stagnation.
Addressing the cheering crowd, Hendricks positioned Al Jama-ah as a moral alternative to the political status quo. “We are not here to fill seats; we are here to fulfill promises,” Hendricks declared. “For too long, our communities have been neglected by parties that prioritize political maneuvering over the basic dignity of their citizens. Our manifesto is a blueprint for accountability, where every cent of the municipal budget is tracked and every service delivery request is met with action, not empty rhetoric.”
The party’s 2026 manifesto places a heavy emphasis on water security, consistent electricity supply, and the eradication of the housing backlog. Al Jama-ah has pledged to introduce a ‘Community First’ model, which aims to devolve more power to ward committees, allowing residents greater control over how their local budgets are spent. Additionally, the party has promised to champion the rights of the marginalized, vowing to tackle homelessness and unemployment through localized small-business hubs and vocational training centers.
The choice of the Orlando Communal Hall for the launch was symbolic. By hosting the event in the heart of Soweto, the party is making a clear statement that it is no longer just a niche movement but a national contender seeking to break into traditional strongholds. Supporters at the event expressed optimism, citing the party’s record in coalition governments as proof that they can effectively manage municipal affairs.
“We have seen them work in the coalitions, and they have been the voice of reason when others were fighting for positions,” said local community activist Thabo Mokoena. “They are consistent, and that is what we need in our local council.”
As the election season officially kicks into high gear, Al Jama-ah faces the challenge of translating its growing support into tangible votes. However, with this manifesto launch, the party has set a clear tone for its campaign: a focus on faith-based ethics, transparency, and a radical commitment to service delivery that they hope will resonate with voters disillusioned by the major political players. The party leadership concluded the day by calling on all citizens to “vote with a conscience” as the nation prepares for the polls.
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