DA Keeps Mayoral Options Open as Coalition Talks Loom in South Africa

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in South Africa has not ruled out taking mayoral positions in municipalities where it has emerged as the largest party, including Johannesburg, Nelson Mandela Bay, and Ekurhuleni. This development comes as negotiations over the formation of new local governments approach. According to DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis, the party will prioritize stable and corruption-free governance.

With 76% of the votes counted, the ANC stood at 31.88% nationally, the DA at 24.27%, and uMkhonto weSizwe at 9.26%. The DA has previously advocated for proportional power-sharing in municipalities governed through coalitions with the ANC. However, Hill-Lewis declined to confirm if the party would continue to insist on this arrangement, citing the need to keep negotiating options open.

Hill-Lewis emphasized that the DA's goal is to put the people of these towns and cities first, committing to stable and corruption-free governance. He expressed optimism about the DA's performance, noting that coming within a handful of percentage points of the ANC in the 2026 elections is an extraordinary moment, considering the ANC's dominance in South African politics for over three decades.

Some ANC members in the Free State and Gauteng have called on the party not to form a coalition with the DA. The ANC's Johannesburg regional secretary stated that if the national leadership allowed them to negotiate a coalition, the DA would be the last party they would engage with. However, other party members believe a two-party coalition with the DA in hung municipalities would provide more stability.

The ANC's national leadership will provide direction on how the party should approach coalition talks. Hill-Lewis noted that there are varying positions within the ANC on who they should work with or not. He expressed hope that the party's leadership would provide clear direction, allowing for stable governance.

Reflecting on the DA's performance, Hill-Lewis described the result as an extraordinary political outcome. He noted that, even a few years ago, he would have struggled to believe the party would come so close to the ANC in the 2026 elections. This development signals a significant shift in South Africa's political landscape.

The DA's decision to keep mayoral options open reflects its cautious approach to coalition talks. As negotiations begin, the party's stance on proportional power-sharing and potential mayoral positions will be crucial in determining the outcome of the talks. The ANC's response to the DA's position and the eventual coalition agreements will shape the governance of municipalities in South Africa.

Key points

• The DA is open to taking mayoral positions in municipalities where it has emerged as the largest party.
• The ANC's national leadership will provide direction on coalition talks with the DA.
• The DA prioritizes stable and corruption-free governance in municipalities.