JOHANNESBURG, GAUTENG — As South Africa navigates complex municipal coalition talks following the recent local government elections, governance expert Prof Owen Skae emphasizes that the political landscape has firmly shifted toward collaborative governance. The Director at Rhodes Business School, specializing in governance, public sector ethics, and competitiveness, notes that voters have decisively rejected single-party dominance in favor of practical service delivery.
The recent local government elections have resulted in more than 130 municipalities requiring coalitions to govern. This includes major metropolitan areas such as Johannesburg, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, and eThekwini, as well as Mangaung in the Free State. According to Skae, election polls were highly accurate, nearly doubling the number of hung municipalities. While the African National Congress (ANC) saw its support significantly reduced and the Democratic Alliance (DA) strengthened its position in the metros, no single party secured more than 30% of the vote.
The stakes for these negotiations are exceptionally high. Reports indicate that ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa is reportedly opposed to any coalition agreement with the DA specifically in Johannesburg. However, Skae argues that the focus must remain on the electorate’s core demands rather than political posturing. He noted that voters have made their point clear, and that concerns over political red lines and personalities are currently muddying the waters of negotiation.
A significant shift in this election cycle is the absence of strict preconditions regarding which parties will or will not work together. Skae attributes this more open approach to the national Government of National Unity (GNU), which has set a cooperative tone at the highest level of government. He explained that the reality of the math dictates the new political behavior: without a majority, parties are forced to sit and talk properly to one another to form functional governments.
Despite the willingness to engage, voter apathy remains a critical issue, with only one in three eligible adults casting a ballot. Skae likens the current political climate to a job interview, noting that citizens are no longer swayed by hollow promises of the past. Instead, they are strictly evaluating whether parties can actually do the job and provide long-term stability.
To ensure long-term success and prevent political instability, new coalition stability measures are being introduced. Skae highlighted recent guidelines released by the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), which aim to prevent parties from crossing the floor on a whim. Under the proposed frameworks, a vote of no confidence may only occur once a year, barring severe constitutional or criminal procurement violations. Additionally, oversight committees are intended to be led by political parties outside the ruling coalition to ensure better checks and balances.
Ultimately, Skae stresses that citizens are not powerless between elections. He calls for a revitalization of ward councils and improved voter education to help the public understand the distinct roles of councilors. By ensuring ward meetings are held, documents are made public, and citizens are given advance warning, the public can effectively hold their local representatives accountable and ensure their voices are heard in the new coalition era.
