ANC head of elections Mdumiseni Ntuli has cast doubt on a possible coalition deal between the ANC and the DA that could see Helen Zille elected as Johannesburg mayor. Ntuli expressed concerns about Zille's campaign rhetoric, describing it as arrogant. He suggested that some within the ANC would be uncomfortable working with the DA following Zille's comments. Ntuli's remarks were made in an interview with The Political Arena at the IEC Results Centre.
Ntuli, also the ANC's chief whip in parliament, indicated that the party's potential discomfort with Zille's attitude could impact coalition talks. He mentioned that some in the ANC might take issue with Zille's self-described role as a savior for Johannesburg. Ntuli stated that it was unclear whether this would influence the ANC's decision to work with the DA or other parties. He emphasized that time would tell how these dynamics would play out.
The ANC is facing a significant electoral defeat, with results suggesting the party may not reclaim any of South Africa's eight metropolitan municipalities. The party is also losing ground in several strategic municipalities. ActionSA is poised to strengthen its position in Johannesburg and Tshwane, giving it greater leverage in coalition negotiations. Ntuli acknowledged the ANC's unhappy electoral performance, describing it as a cause for concern.
Ntuli pointed to the ANC's working relationship with ActionSA in Tshwane as a potential model for other municipalities, including Johannesburg. He noted that the partnership with ActionSA had been smooth, with no major issues. However, it is unclear whether similar arrangements will be explored elsewhere. Ntuli emphasized that discussions would take place to determine the party's next steps.
The ANC leader acknowledged the challenges of working with the DA in the national government of unity. He described the relationship as complex, difficult, and dynamic. Ntuli stopped short of blaming the relationship for the party's poor electoral showing. He noted that there were contradictions in the relationship, some of which were deliberately created.
Ntuli stated that the ANC would need to assess whether its participation in coalitions, including the GNU, had ultimately benefited the party. He questioned whether the stability provided by these coalitions had allowed the ANC to make necessary changes in the economy or other areas of life. Ntuli emphasized that the party needed to evaluate the effectiveness of these coalitions.
The ANC's electoral performance has raised concerns about its future prospects. The party's potential failure to reclaim metropolitan municipalities and loss of ground in strategic municipalities have significant implications. Ntuli's comments highlight the challenges facing the ANC as it navigates coalition talks and assesses its relationships with other parties.
Key points
- ANC head of elections Mdumiseni Ntuli expresses doubts about a coalition deal with the DA for the Johannesburg mayoralty.
- Ntuli cites Helen Zille's campaign rhetoric as a reason for the ANC's potential discomfort with the DA.
- The ANC is facing a significant electoral defeat, with potential implications for its future prospects.
