OPINION:The establishment of coalitions in the age of the GNU
Political parties have gone through difficult experiences with coalition governments in most metros
Dr Levy Ndou argues that coalitions have become a new reality in South Africa's political landscape, particularly at the local government level. The formation of these coalitions occurs due to the failure of any single party to secure an outright majority in elections. In such cases, parties must agree on power-sharing arrangements to form a government.
This trend is evident even at the municipal level, with many municipalities experiencing hung elections and the emergence of coalition governments. The 2026 local government elections are expected to see over 500 political parties contesting, further emphasizing the growing importance of coalitions. The GNU, a government formed by the two largest parties (ANC and DA), along with other smaller parties, has contributed to governance stability and accountability.
This model of governance has been successful in creating stability, and it is expected to continue to play a significant role in the 2026 local government elections. Transparency in coalition agreements is crucial for voter trust and accountability, as voters have a right to know the basis of these agreements. While coalitions can work in different municipalities, each environment presents unique challenges, and a one-size-fits-all approach may not be effective.
Ultimately, the success of coalition governments depends on the ability of political parties to cooperate and deliver on their service delivery promises to the citizens.
Written by urgent.news from SABC News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
