Mkhize warns coalitions could pose fresh challenges for municipalities after elections
With coalition governments expected to become increasingly common after the local government elections, Dr Zweli Mkhize says political parties must embrace dialogue, honour agreements and put service delivery ahead of political rivalry.
Dr Zweli Mkhize, leader of South Africa's Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, has warned that coalitions could present new challenges for local governments following the upcoming November 4 elections. In an interview with National Media Group in Durban, Mkhize emphasized the need for political parties to prioritize service delivery over power struggles and serve the electorate.
He noted that hung municipalities, characterized by no clear majority party, could become increasingly common, with the 2021 election recording 82 such instances, up from 27 in 2016. Mkhize urged political parties to develop a better understanding of coalition governance, establish clear agreements, and focus on dialogue and accountability.
He believes the proposed provisions in the Coalitions Bill could help stabilize municipalities by addressing some of the political practices that have undermined coalition arrangements. The Bill aims to clarify the process of forming coalitions after an election and shift the focus towards service delivery.
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