PRETORIA, GAUTENG — As South Africa navigates the complexities of the 2026 local government elections, Democratic Alliance (DA) Tshwane mayoral candidate Cilliers Brink has affirmed that the party will approach upcoming coalition negotiations with humility and openness. With the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) confirming that 99% of votes have been captured nationally—resulting in 129 hung councils—the political landscape requires careful bargaining and strategic alliances.
Speaking on the aftermath of the elections, Brink acknowledged that while the DA aimed for an outright majority in Tshwane and fell short of securing one of the 11 councils nationwide with a DA majority, the party remains the largest political force in the capital. He highlighted significant growth across all constituencies, particularly in townships like Hammanskraal, where the DA secured 17% of the vote. Brink described this as a seismic shift in political loyalties that creates new opportunities to improve service delivery.
Guided by DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis, the party’s Federal Executive has established clear principles for the upcoming coalition talks. Brink emphasized that the DA will not enter into any governing arrangements that perpetuate corruption, inefficiency, or drain infrastructure funding. The party’s core campaign agenda—focused on anti-corruption, restoring law and order, and reforming utilities to improve services—will remain the guiding force at the negotiating table.
Addressing historical accusations of arrogance from rival parties, Brink pointed to Geordin Hill-Lewis’s recent public statements as evidence of the inclusive temperament and statesmanship now required. He noted that the national leadership has avoided setting strict “red lines” or “non-negotiables,” opting instead to engage with all parties, including those the DA has not previously negotiated with. Brink stressed that while the “cut and thrust” of election campaigning is necessary for voters to understand their choices, the post-election phase requires humility and openness from political leadership.
Reflecting on his previous tenure as Tshwane mayor, which ended due to coalition instability and shifting political alliances, Brink stressed the absolute necessity of formalized, written coalition agreements. He argued that reducing negotiated terms to writing ensures public transparency and allows citizens to hold coalition partners accountable to specific standards.
Brink also referenced recent comments from parties regarding the need for political maturity, urging all stakeholders to prioritize the stable administration of the city over historical grievances. He acknowledged that South Africa is still developing its coalition democracy compared to mature systems in Europe, calling for enhanced political civic education and rigorous media scrutiny. Ultimately, Brink maintained that transparent negotiations and mature cooperation are essential to ensuring stable, effective governance in Tshwane and other major metropolitan hubs.
