ANC Seeks Coalition Allies as Gauteng Municipalities Hang in the Balance

The African National Congress (ANC) is navigating uncharted territory as it seeks coalition partners to govern Gauteng municipalities, following a dismal performance in the recent local government elections. The party failed to secure a majority in any of the province's metropolitan municipalities, including Johannesburg, where none of its mayoral candidates secured seats through the proportional representation (PR) system. This development has triggered a flurry of coalition talks, with the ANC considering approaches to the South African Communist Party (SACP) and other parties to secure PR seats.

A senior Gauteng Provincial Task Team (PTT) member revealed that the ANC is likely to approach the SACP to discuss the possibility of the latter donating its PR seats in various councils. This move could potentially pave the way for one of the ANC's mayoral candidates in Johannesburg to secure a seat in council. However, the SACP's acting spokesperson, Mhlekwa Nxumalo, indicated that the party is unlikely to entertain such a proposal, citing the fact that its councillors were chosen by communities, civic organisations, and traditional leaders.

The ANC's National Executive Committee (NEC) met recently to discuss the party's coalition strategy, with spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu stating that the party has not adopted a position on which parties to work with. Bhengu emphasised that the ANC would assess all risks associated with coalition arrangements. The party's Youth League president, Collen Malatji, expressed concerns about working with the Democratic Alliance (DA), describing it as a "no-no" due to differences in policy positions.

The SACP has set certain conditions for any potential coalition with the ANC, including a requirement that the ANC not work with the DA and the Freedom Front Plus. Nxumalo warned that if these conditions are breached, the SACP would not hesitate to withdraw its support. The party's relations with the ANC are reportedly strained, which could complicate coalition talks.

The ANC's poor election performance has sparked internal debate, with some members calling for the leadership to take responsibility for the party's decline. Former president Thabo Mbeki recently suggested that ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa should consider resigning, arguing that leaders typically step down after major electoral setbacks. However, Malatji rejected the idea of the entire ANC leadership resigning, warning that this could effectively shut down the party.

ActionSA president Herman Mashaba revealed that his party has already concluded a working agreement with the Patriotic Alliance and the ANC in Laingsburg Municipality in the Western Cape. Mashaba indicated that ActionSA would take over the mayoralty in that municipality, and that negotiations were ongoing in Gauteng. He expressed scepticism about working with the DA, citing its past behaviour.

As coalition talks continue, the ANC's next move will be closely watched. The party's ability to form stable coalitions will likely determine its fortunes in Gauteng, where it has historically been dominant. With several parties jockeying for position, the negotiations are set to be complex and potentially contentious.

Key points

• ANC seeks coalition allies after losing majority in Gauteng municipalities
• SACP sets conditions for potential coalition with ANC
• ANC's poor election performance sparks internal debate and leadership tensions