JOHANNESBURG, Gauteng — As South Africa approaches the 2026 Local Government Elections (LGE 2026) next week, the political landscape has firmly shifted toward coalition governments. With outright majorities becoming increasingly rare, smaller political parties have cemented their roles as crucial ‘kingmakers.’ Consequently, municipal budgets and coalition stability have become the central focal points for minority formations preparing to negotiate post-election governance.
The Strategic Power of Minority Blocks
Margaret Arnold, African Independent Congress (AIC) treasurer, Johannesburg caucus leader, and mayoral candidate, emphasized that smaller parties must unite to ensure their influence is felt in a fractured political environment. Arnold noted that the AIC has been at the forefront of coalition politics since 2021. By collaborating with parties like the Congress of the People (COPE), the AIC helped establish a strategic “minority block.”
Arnold explained that by consolidating their 15 seats, the bloc was able to approach larger parties and assert their collective bargaining power. “We then went to the big brother and the big sister and we said to them, ‘Here we are. We are 15 and we have a voice,’” Arnold stated, highlighting how unified minority blocs can prevent their agendas from being sidelined in majoritarian negotiations.
Learning from Global Stability
The necessity for stable, long-term partnerships was echoed by Thomas Mofokeng, COPE Gauteng provincial chairperson, whose party has navigated coalition dynamics since 2016. Mofokeng attributed past coalition instability to the internal fractures and power struggles of dominant “main parties” that prioritize grabbing power over serving voters.
To achieve sustainable governance, Mofokeng urged South Africa to look outward for successful models. He pointed to Scandinavian countries, noting that Nordic nations have successfully managed smooth coalition governments for over 45 years by prioritizing collective governance and studying international best practices.
Demanding Fiscal Accountability in Townships
For newer political formations, coalition participation is strictly conditional on addressing severe municipal financial shortcomings and delivering basic services. Collins Ndlovu, spokesperson for the Gaza Democratic Front (GDF), stated that while the GDF is a “new baby” in the political arena, its ranks include veterans who witnessed the birth of coalitions in 2016.
Ndlovu made it clear that the GDF will only partner with parties committed to fixing township budgets and addressing the needs of the people. He highlighted the mismanagement of social housing in Soeteru, specifically citing the “Dubet host” project. According to Ndlovu, millions in taxpayer funds were wasted on buildings intended for residents paying R600 in monthly rent, only for the properties to be left vandalized and unfunctional.
Overhauling Dilapidated Municipal Systems
Financial mismanagement at the local government level remains a critical hurdle for urban renewal. Lesiba Molokomme, leader of the Change party, pointed to the dilapidated state of the Johannesburg CBD as a prime example of systemic failure.
Molokomme criticized municipal councilors and Mayoral Committee members (MMCs) for claiming there is no budget for urban renewal, arguing that available funds are exclusively diverted to their own salaries. “What has failed cannot help the incoming government,” Molokomme stated, calling for a total overhaul of the local governance system to ensure incoming administrations have the financial tools required to prosper.
Navigating the Post-Election Legislative Framework
Looking ahead to the administrative realities of these negotiations, the Municipal Structures Amendment Bill—widely referred to as the “coalition’s bill”—will not be passed into law before the local government elections take place. However, the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) has assured stakeholders that a transitional framework will still be implemented. This framework will serve to guide the formation, operation, and stability of local councils as South Africa enters a new era of coalition-driven local governance.
