The United Progressive People Alliance (UPPA) announced that it will contest Tshwane with 70 ward candidates, as the party steps up its campaign to offer residents a credible alternative focused on competent governance, reliable basic services, clean administration, safety and economic opportunity. This announcement was made yesterday, Saturday 22 August 2026,

The announcement comes as UPPA unveils its Six-Point Plan to Rebuild Tshwane, a practical programme aimed at rebuilding the City’s institutional and financial challenges while restoring dignity to communities across the capital.

UPPA believes that Tshwane does not need more empty promises. It needs competent leadership, disciplined administration, reliable services and a clear economic growth strategy.

“Our message to the people of Tshwane is simple: we are not coming to make promises; we are coming with a plan to rebuild the City. Tshwane has enormous potential, but that potential is being undermined by poor administration, failing infrastructure, financial pressures and a lack of urgency in addressing the daily challenges faced by residents,” said UPPA.

UPPA’S SIX-POINT PLAN TO REBUILD TSHWANE

1. FIX THE CITY, BUILD A CAPABLE AND MOTIVATED INSTITUTION

UPPA will work to build a professional, motivated and accountable municipal administration.

This includes improving employee morale and workplace conditions, strengthening training and career development, professionalising appointments, reviewing the feasibility of insourcing essential outsourced services, reducing unnecessary bureaucracy and introducing measurable performance targets for departments and senior officials.

UPPA will also strengthen consequence management against corruption, fraud, negligence and poor performance while improving communication between management, workers and communities.

A better-run city starts with a better-run institution.

2. FIX THE MONEY, REFORM BILLING, REVENUE AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

Tshwane cannot deliver sustainable services if it cannot effectively manage its finances or collect revenue that is legitimately owed to it.

UPPA will overhaul the municipal billing system, correct inaccurate and disputed accounts, improve meter reading and maintenance, tackle illegal connections and fraudulent accounts, and strengthen revenue collection while protecting vulnerable households.

The party will also pursue outstanding debt from government institutions, businesses and other major consumers, reduce wasteful expenditure and unnecessary consultants, strengthen procurement controls and improve transparency around major municipal expenditure.

Every rand collected must work harder for the people of Tshwane.

3. DELIVER BASIC SERVICES TO EVERY RESIDENT

UPPA believes that basic services are not privileges — they are the foundation of a dignified life.

The party will prioritise reliable water for Hammanskraal and Ekangala, a lasting solution to the Garankuwa sewer crisis, improved wastewater and sanitation infrastructure, properly managed landfill sites, dignified cemeteries, functional parks and recreational facilities, improved refuse collection and stronger action against illegal dumping.

UPPA will also prioritise the repair of roads, potholes, storm-water systems and damaged municipal infrastructure while expanding maintenance capacity and establishing faster responses to service-delivery complaints.

Service-delivery targets will be published for every region so that residents can hold the City accountable.

No community must be forgotten. No resident must be treated as a second-class citizen.

4. SOLVE THE HOUSING AND HUMAN SETTLEMENTS CRISIS

UPPA will pursue a housing strategy centred on dignity, integration and access to opportunity.

The party will accelerate the formalisation of qualifying informal settlements and work towards providing roads, water, sanitation, electricity and public lighting.

UPPA will push for affordable housing close to transport, schools and economic opportunities, unlock stalled housing projects, release suitable municipal land for well-planned development and strengthen partnerships with the private sector.

The party will also work towards the eradication of chemical toilets, greater transparency in housing allocations and stronger protection for residents against illegal land sales and housing scams.

Housing must restore dignity, not merely provide shelter.

5. MAKE TSHWANE SAFE, CLEAN AND WELL-LIT

Residents should be able to walk, work, trade, study and raise their families without fear.

UPPA will seek to strengthen visible policing and improve coordination between the Tshwane Metro Police Department, SAPS and community safety structures.

The party proposes a target of 10 Metro Police officers per ward, subject to the City’s staffing capacity and applicable legal framework.

UPPA will also prioritise public lighting, rapid repair of broken streetlights, safety around schools and transport nodes, stronger enforcement against illegal dumping and vandalism, improved emergency and disaster-management capacity, and the reclamation of neglected public spaces.

A safe city is a city where people can live and work without fear.

6. GROW THE ECONOMY, ATTRACT INVESTMENT THAT CREATES JOBS

UPPA believes Tshwane must become one of South Africa’s most attractive cities in which to invest, work and do business.

The party will pursue a business-friendly municipal environment, reduce unnecessary red tape, speed up approvals and licensing, support small, medium and township enterprises, and create greater opportunities for local businesses to participate in municipal supply chains.

UPPA will seek to revitalise township economies and neglected commercial centres while promoting Tshwane as a destination for manufacturing, technology, tourism, logistics and other growth industries.

The party will also pursue partnerships between the City, universities, colleges, businesses and industry, and unlock underutilised municipal land and assets for productive economic development.

Investment creates businesses. Businesses create jobs. Jobs create opportunity.

The fielding of 70 ward candidates represents UPPA’s commitment to taking its campaign directly into communities across Tshwane.

“Our candidates are not simply names on a ballot paper. They are expected to be the eyes, ears and voices of their communities, people who understand the challenges residents face and who are prepared to be held accountable for delivering results.”

UPPA says its candidates will campaign on a programme of service, accountability and practical action, rather than personality politics and empty slogans.

UPPA’s Six-Point Plan is built around one simple commitment:

FIX THE CITY. BUILD THE ECONOMY. RESTORE DIGNITY.

The party envisions a Tshwane that is capable, financially responsible, clean, safe, well-serviced, economically vibrant and inclusive of every resident.

“Tshwane can work. Tshwane can prosper. But we must fix what is broken, rebuild what has been neglected and restore confidence in the institution that serves our people. UPPA is ready to do that work.”

Issued by: United Progressive People Alliance (UPPA) Tshwane

Our Future, Together

Media enquiries

Abel Tau

UPPA Tshwane Mayoral Candidate

071 265 5040