ANC structures to hold exploratory talks with coalition partners in South Africa

The African National Congress (ANC) has given its provincial and regional structures the go-ahead to hold localized exploratory talks with possible coalition partners in their respective councils. This move comes after the ANC lost its majority in several municipalities, including in its traditional stronghold, the Eastern Cape. According to ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula, provincial, regional, and municipal structures may now hold talks with other political parties represented in their councils.

The ANC's decision to centralize its coalition approach comes after the party's disappointing performance in the local government elections. In provinces like the Eastern Cape, the ANC will hold coalition discussions for the first time ever. The party's national executive committee (NEC) is expected to meet to discuss the party's centralized approach to coalitions. The NEC meeting will take place after the ANC's provincial and regional structures have started holding localized talks with possible coalition partners.

In the Eastern Cape, the ANC will need partners in the Buffalo City Metro and other councils where the party lost its majority. The party's circular instructs provinces to convene "listening sessions" with parties, including community formations and alliance partners, to understand their priorities, conditions, and concerns. These early talks will assess the local numbers and the workability of possible arrangements, and then advise the centre.

The ANC's move to hold exploratory talks with coalition partners is seen as a strategic effort to maintain its influence in municipalities where it lost its majority. The party's national approach to coalitions will be led by party president Cyril Ramaphosa and Mbalula. According to political analysts, the ANC is unlikely to sit on opposition benches in Gauteng metros.

The ANC's coalition discussions are taking place amid reports of possible coalition deals in Western Cape hung councils. The South African Communist Party (SACP) has drawn a hard line against coalition deals with the Democratic Alliance (DA) and Freedom Front Plus (FF+). ActionSA has also insisted on Nasiphi Moya returning as Tshwane mayor amid hung municipality talks.

The ANC's localized talks with possible coalition partners will have to consider the workability of possible arrangements and assess the local numbers. The party's circular emphasizes the importance of understanding the priorities, conditions, and concerns of other parties. The ANC's national executive committee (NEC) will meet to discuss the party's centralized approach to coalitions.

The ANC's move to hold exploratory talks with coalition partners reflects the party's efforts to adapt to the changing political landscape in South Africa. The party's performance in the local government elections has raised concerns about its ability to maintain its influence in municipalities. The ANC's coalition discussions will be closely watched as the party seeks to maintain its position as a dominant force in South African politics.

Key points

• ANC provincial and regional structures to hold localized talks with possible coalition partners after losing grip of several municipalities.