LOCAL ELECTIONS 2026: KZN coalition dilemma: Will election losers find their way back to power?

Political parties in KwaZulu-Natal are grappling with the challenge of forming coalitions in 32 of the province's 44 municipalities, where no single party has secured an outright majority. The results have left the ANC, IFP, DA and MK party with difficult choices as they prepare for coalition negotiations.

MK party, which has emerged as the largest party in the province with over 2.1 million votes (34% of the total), has signaled that it will not enter into coalition agreements simply to govern. First deputy president Duduzane Zuma has warned against such arrangements, stating that they should be based on the party's political programme rather than the desire to rescue parties that have been rejected by voters.

The IFP and ANC, which have each secured about 20% of the votes (1.2 million votes each), are also considering their options. In municipalities where the IFP is leading, such as Alfred Duma, AbaQulusi and Jozini, the party will need to find coalition partners to secure control of councils. Similarly, the ANC faces a similar situation in uMzimkhulu, where it is one seat short of an outright majority.

The DA, which came in fourth place with 10% of the vote, is also looking at potential coalition partners. In municipalities where the DA is present, such as Richmond, where it secured outright control, the party will need to find alternative partners for other municipalities.

MK party's first deputy president Duduzane Zuma has warned against entering into coalition arrangements simply to govern, stating that the party is not interested in resurrecting parties that have been rejected by voters. The party is prepared to remain in opposition if necessary. The ANC and IFP have also indicated that they are not rushing into coalition negotiations, with the ANC's secretary-general, Fikile Mbalula, stating that the party is ready to remain in opposition if required.