The African Transformation Movement (ATM) was founded in 2018 with a clear mandate: to serve all South African citizens through transparent, accountable, and faith-driven governance. At the heart of the party's policy framework lies a deep commitment to social welfare — ensuring that no citizen is left behind in the pursuit of a just and equitable society.
Social Grants: Timely, Indexed, and Uninterrupted
ATM believes that social grants are a lifeline for millions of South Africans living below the poverty line. The party's manifesto commits to ensuring that all grants — including the Old Age Pension, Child Support Grant, and Disability Grant — are disbursed on time, without interruption, and indexed to inflation and the rising cost of living. While the party supports the existing social wage framework, it emphasises that the real value of grants must keep pace with economic reality so that vulnerable households are not eroded by rising food and energy prices.
Universal Healthcare through the NHI
Healthcare is a cornerstone of ATM's social welfare vision. The party supports the implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme, which aims to provide universal access to quality healthcare for every South African regardless of income. ATM has further committed to deploying mobile clinics in underserved rural areas, upgrading mental health services across the country, and expanding access to essential healthcare facilities in communities that have historically been neglected.
Fighting Corruption in Service Delivery
ATM recognises that corruption is the single greatest threat to effective social welfare delivery. Provinces across South Africa have experienced chronic underfunding of health and social services due to mismanagement and graft. The party pledges zero tolerance for corruption, promising to build governance systems that are transparent, accountable, and capable of delivering uninterrupted services to those who need them most.
Protecting the Vulnerable
Central to ATM's social democratic philosophy is the protection of society's most vulnerable members — children, the elderly, and people living with disabilities. The party envisions a South Africa where every citizen enjoys food security, access to free quality education, affordable housing, and a life free from violence and crime. ATM's faith-based foundation drives its commitment to solidarity, love, and reconciliation as guiding principles in building a caring society.
A Social Democratic Vision for the Future
As ATM prepares for the 2026 Local Government Elections under the leadership of Professor Caesar Nongqunga, the party's social welfare agenda remains a central pillar of its campaign. With provincial rallies planned across all nine provinces and a renewed focus on grassroots community engagement, ATM is positioning itself as the party of service delivery, moral governance, and social justice.
The African Transformation Movement invites all South Africans who share its vision of a fair, transparent, and caring society to join the movement and help build a better tomorrow.