The African National Congress (ANC) has reportedly resolved that the Democratic Alliance (DA) should be a last resort in municipal coalition negotiations. This decision was made during the ANC's extended National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, amid concerns that the party's partnership with the DA in the Government of National Unity contributed to its declining electoral support. The ANC performed poorly in the 2026 Local Government Elections, prompting a re-evaluation of its coalition strategy.
The ANC's poor performance in the 2026 Local Government Elections saw its share of the national vote fall from 45.59% in 2021 to 30.76%. Despite remaining the country's largest party, the ANC faces a challenge in forming coalitions to secure governing majorities in municipalities. With 137 of the country's 213 municipal councils hung, parties are set to engage in negotiations. The DA emerged as the leading party in Johannesburg, Tshwane, and Ekurhuleni but failed to secure outright majorities.
The ANC's national spokesperson, Mahlengi Bengu, stated that each municipality would be assessed individually, taking into account its political dynamics, demographics, parties represented, and residents' needs. This approach aims to ensure that the party's coalition decisions are tailored to specific municipal contexts. Bengu emphasized that there would not be a blanket approach to coalition negotiations until the NEC decides otherwise.
The ANC's communications manager, Mangaliso Khonza, confirmed that the party's decisions on coalition talks would be outlined in a media briefing. The briefing would be announced during the course of the day, and it is expected to provide clarity on the party's coalition strategy. The ANC's NEC meeting was held to discuss the party's approach to municipal coalition negotiations following its poor election performance.
The DA secured 24.64% of the national vote, followed by the MK Party on 9.76%, the EFF on 6.22%, and ActionSA on 5.67%. The ANC's decline in electoral support has raised concerns about its ability to form stable coalitions in municipalities. The party's decision to treat the DA as a last resort in coalition negotiations reflects its efforts to re-evaluate its alliances and strengthen its position in local government.
The ANC's coalition challenge is compounded by the fact that 137 municipal councils are hung, requiring parties to negotiate to secure governing majorities. The party's ability to form effective coalitions will be crucial in determining its success in local government. The ANC's NEC meeting has provided a platform for the party to discuss its coalition strategy and make key decisions about its approach to municipal negotiations.
The ANC's decision on coalition talks comes as the party seeks to regroup and reassess its strategy following a disappointing election performance. The party's leadership has acknowledged the need for a more nuanced approach to coalition negotiations, taking into account the unique dynamics of each municipality. By treating the DA as a last resort, the ANC aims to strengthen its position in local government and improve its electoral prospects.
Key points
- ANC wants DA as last resort in municipal coalition talks
- ANC adopts municipality-by-municipality approach to coalition negotiations
- ANC's poor election performance prompts re-evaluation of coalition strategy
