OPINION: Coalitions need to serve communities, not politicians
Political parties need to take coalitions seriously because they are here to stay.
The 2026 South African local government elections will likely see many municipal coalitions, as no party can claim outright majority in most areas. This shift from single-party rule to coalition governments has raised concerns about whether these agreements will truly serve the needs of voters. The Local Government: Municipal Structures Amendment Bill, which would govern coalition formation, is yet to be passed.
To ensure accountability and transparency, coalition agreements must be made public, with clear timelines for their implementation. Citizens deserve to know if their elected representatives are meeting their needs, so regular ward committee meetings and open communication between councillors and their communities are essential. Councillors must prioritize their mandate to serve residents, not just political interests.
As citizens, we must hold our representatives accountable by paying our dues, attending council meetings, and engaging with our local governance. Only through active participation and demand for responsible governance can we hope to see functioning, inclusive municipalities that benefit all residents.
Written by urgent.news from SABC News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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