Ramaphosa Urges Coalition Cooperation in South Africa's Municipalities

President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed newly elected councillors, urging them to find common ground and build coalitions. He emphasized that the country's changing political landscape requires cooperation in the interests of communities, rather than allowing personal rivalries to undermine local government. Ramaphosa stated that being elevated to serve the people is a privilege and a responsibility that must be accepted with great humility.

Ramaphosa warned that political disputes should not delay the constitution of municipal councils or the election of office-bearers. He stressed that the people's interests must not be drowned by the quest for political parties or representatives to settle personal scores or petty squabbles. Councils must be constituted without delay, and parties must negotiate in good faith to elect office-bearers.

The 2026 local government election results indicate a fragmented political landscape, with coalition negotiations expected to determine the leadership of several municipalities. The ANC secured 30.76% of the national vote, down from 45% in the 2021 local government elections, while the Democratic Alliance increased its share from 21.6% to 24.64%. The ANC won 3,246 council seats but secured outright control in only 53 municipalities.

The Democratic Alliance won 1,695 seats and secured outright control in 12 municipalities. The uMkhonto weSizwe party received 9.76% of the vote, while the Economic Freedom Fighters secured 6.22%. ActionSA received 5.67%, strengthening its position in local government. Of the country's 213 municipalities, only 74 have a party with an outright majority, and hung councils increased to 142.

In Gauteng, the DA secured majorities in all three metropolitan municipalities: Johannesburg, Tshwane, and Ekurhuleni, further challenging the ANC's political dominance in the province. Ramaphosa emphasized that the stability of municipalities cannot be sacrificed to narrow political interests. The delivery of essential services cannot be held hostage by political disagreement.

Ramaphosa stated that residents expect functional municipal councils and political parties willing to work together to improve service delivery. He said that the people did not cast their vote so that their representatives could spend the next five years fighting amongst themselves. They voted because they expect their lives to improve.

Ramaphosa concluded by calling on all political leaders to place the interests of communities above all else. He urged them to demonstrate that the political system is capable of managing political competition and producing cooperation in the service of the people. The president's comments come as coalition negotiations are underway to determine the leadership of several municipalities.

Key points

• President Cyril Ramaphosa urges political leaders to cooperate in establishing municipal councils.
• The 2026 local government election results show a fragmented political landscape.
• Coalition negotiations will determine the leadership of several municipalities.