The African National Congress (ANC) is considering several options for forming coalitions with other parties after its recent election setback. According to reports, the ANC's national executive committee (NEC) was presented with four options for forming coalitions with other parties. These options include a government of local unity (GLU) with the same parties that form part of the government of national unity (GNU). This arrangement would require a national framework agreement to be signed by all participating parties.
One of the options presented to the NEC involves a narrower agreement between the ANC, DA, ActionSA, and the IFP. This agreement would provide the partners with majorities in key metros, but there are concerns that smaller parties could use their combined numbers to outmanoeuvre the ANC in some municipalities. Another option is to dispense with the DA and form coalitions with ActionSA and smaller parties, which could mean surrendering control in some areas such as eThekwini.
The ANC is also considering a confidence-and-supply option, under which parties would support one another on crucial votes without formally entering coalition governments. This arrangement could see the ANC voting for DA mayors in Gauteng metros while remaining outside government. Notably, none of these options include the MK Party, which may have sparked debate within the NEC.
ANC negotiators are reportedly favouring the first option, which involves replicating the GNU at local government level. This option would bring a level of predictability to municipalities and would be easier to manage using the GNU template. However, some members believe that the party's decline in the recent election was partly due to voters punishing it for entering a GNU with the DA.
The GLU option is likely to deepen divisions within the ANC, with some members arguing that it would reopen the gate to patronage opportunities while allowing the party to demonstrate that ANC deployees are capable of delivering services. Others believe that the ANC should soften its stance towards the MK Party and explore opportunities for co-operation.
Herman Mashaba's ActionSA has made significant gains in townships by cutting into the ANC's traditional support base. Some believe that working with the DA and ActionSA could accelerate the ANC's electoral decline ahead of the 2029 general election. The ANC has not enjoyed outright control of Gauteng's councils since 2016 and has entered coalition arrangements after DA-led governments collapsed.
Ultimately, occupying the opposition benches may be the wisest course available to the ANC, allowing it to rebuild its structures, renew its leadership pipeline, and reconnect with voters. If the people of eThekwini prefer an MK Party-led government, they should be given the opportunity to experience life under such an administration. The ANC could use this time to focus on renewal and rebuilding.
Key points
- The ANC is considering several coalition options, including a government of local unity and a narrower agreement with the DA, ActionSA, and the IFP.
