SOUTH AFRICA — The South Africa Government of National Unity (GNU), established in 2024 with promises of political stability and a renewed national direction, is facing intense scrutiny as the country approaches the November 4 local elections. Amidst ongoing voter concerns over unemployment, economic hardship, and municipal service delivery, recent legal and political friction between coalition partners has brought the alliance’s track record and future into sharp focus.
The Legal and Political Flashpoint
The political landscape was recently disrupted when the Constitutional Court overturned the exclusion of 181 African National Congress (ANC) candidates across six municipalities, directing the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) to include them in the electoral process.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) opposed the ANC’s legal challenge, a move that prompted ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula to call for a formal review of the DA’s role within the GNU. The IEC has subsequently extended similar relief to other similarly affected political parties, adding further complexity to an already demanding election timetable.
Assessing the GNU’s Track Record
To unpack these developments, political analyst Professor Kedibone Phago notes that while the national and provincial levels of the GNU have successfully maintained stability, the reality of local government remains starkly different.
“Many of the government departments and public institutions at the national and provincial levels are functioning to some degree,” Professor Phago observed, noting that the coalition has effectively “kept the ship sailing.” However, he highlighted that local government is a distinct sphere. Past coalitions at the local level have historically contributed to chaos, and there is currently a lack of systems and policies to guide how national and provincial governments should intervene in failing local coalitions.
Coalition Tensions or Campaign Posturing?
Despite repeated disagreements on major policy issues and the friction exposed by the recent apex court case, Professor Phago does not believe the GNU is struggling to function as a coherent government. He attributes the visible friction to the realities of local election campaigning rather than a fundamental collapse of the alliance.
“They need to show us one or two tricks… and that they can push each other around,” Professor Phago explained, suggesting that the fundamental stability of the GNU is not currently facing renewed, systemic challenges.
The Rule of Law and Judicial Impact
Addressing the Constitutional Court’s decision, Professor Phago emphasized that the ruling should not be viewed purely as a partisan strike against the DA. Instead, he argued it demonstrates the strength of South Africa’s constitutional democracy and the rule of law.
“Our courts will actually be part of our state fabric and… show that they will make decisions without fear or favor,” he stated. He advised the public to await the full judgment, including the minority opinion, to gain a comprehensive understanding of its impact on the future of the political parties and the coalition.
Accountability and the Voter’s Mandate
Ultimately, the upcoming elections will hinge on municipal performance and basic service delivery. Professor Phago stressed the urgent need for accountability, referencing the chronic problems outlined in the National Development Plan’s diagnostic report.
He called on public institutions—including the IEC, the Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) ministry, and National Treasury—to enforce consequences for non-performing municipalities. Utilizing annual reports from the Auditor-General, Professor Phago argued that the government must find a way to “use a stick” to punish local officials who fail to deliver.
“We really need to go back to the drawing board… to make sure that those that are elected are held accountable,” he concluded, emphasizing that voters are doing their part by going to the polls, and elected officials must honor their mandate to deliver basic municipal services to South Africans.
