Coalition negotiations have started in South Africa as 138 municipalities face hung councils, with 16 in the Western Cape. Municipalities have 14 days to convene newly elected councils and elect office-bearers. The Electoral Commission of South Africa reported that parties are negotiating coalitions in hung councils across the country. Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Dickson Masemola stated that councils must be constituted legally within 14 days.
Minister Masemola emphasized that his department, working with provinces, will ensure that all councils are formally constituted, electing mayors, speakers, and executive committees. Western Cape Local Government MEC Anton Bredell said office-bearers must be elected according to prescribed procedures. His departmental officials will assist municipal managers, councillors, and councils with procedural guidance and legislative questions.
MEC Bredell stressed that his department's support is entirely non-political, ensuring a smooth transition in accordance with legislation governing local government in South Africa. The department will provide the same support and oversight to every municipality, irrespective of the leading party or political arrangement. Masemola noted that hung municipalities require coalition negotiations to form stable local governments.
In the Western Cape, the Freedom Front Plus is expected to be a kingmaker in several municipalities. Wouter Wessels of the Freedom Front Plus indicated that they will utilize their position to serve the community, seeking a shared manifesto and programme of governance with potential coalition partners. The DA, with a majority in many councils, may need to consider the Freedom Front Plus, ANC, and small parties in some hung municipalities.
Various coalition scenarios are possible in the Western Cape. In Matzikama Municipality, a DA partnership with the ANC and Freedom Front Plus is possible. The Cederberg First Resident Association will be kingmaker in the Cederberg Municipality, choosing between the ANC and DA. The Theewaterskloof Municipality may see a coalition between the ANC, DA, and Freedom Front.
In other municipalities, such as Prince Albert, Patriotic Alliance, and ANC, may form a coalition with the DA. In Cape Agulhas, a coalition between the DA, Freedom Front Plus, and ANC is possible. The Independent Civic Organisation of South Africa has the option to enter into a coalition involving the DA or Patriotic Alliance in Kannaland Municipality.
Coalition talks will continue in the coming days, with parties negotiating to form stable local governments. The outcome will determine who leads several municipalities in the Western Cape and across South Africa. Key players, including the DA, ANC, and Freedom Front Plus, will need to find common ground to serve their communities effectively.
Key points
- Coalition negotiations are underway in 138 municipalities, including 16 in the Western Cape, after the local government elections.
- The Freedom Front Plus is expected to be a kingmaker in several Western Cape municipalities.
- Municipalities have 14 days to convene newly elected councils and elect office-bearers.
