SACP rules out DA and FF+ coalitions as Western Cape parties set council priorities

The South African Communist Party (SACP) has ruled out forming coalitions with the Democratic Alliance (DA) and Freedom Front Plus (FF+) as smaller parties in the Western Cape prepare to utilize their newly gained municipal seats to address key issues. Following local government elections, the SACP holds seven municipal council seats across six Western Cape municipalities, while other parties outline their plans for using their representation in the incoming councils.

The DA maintained control of the City of Cape Town, receiving 56.42% of the vote, a slight decrease from the 58.33% they received five years ago. Both the SACP and other parties aim to represent residents and hold municipal administrations accountable, with some specifying conditions for potential coalition arrangements.

The SACP emphasized that its focus will be on municipal issues, particularly in Knysna, with priorities including the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), workers' rights, proper sanitation, and the transition of EPWP workers into permanent employment. They would serve all wards in their municipalities, regardless of electoral support, and fight against exploitation and push for improved working conditions.

The African Restoration Alliance Party (ARA), which retained one of its two proportional-representation seats, stated that public office is a responsibility to serve the community, not a privilege to enjoy. ARA's City of Cape Town councillor, Malcolm Jacobs, will focus on job creation, fairer EPWP wages, beneficiary tenders, safer communities, and accountability for the Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) officers. The party is also investigating irregularities in the 2026 Local Government Elections.

The GOOD Party and RISE Mzansi partnership secured 23 council seats across 12 municipalities, including six in Cape Town, and are set to engage in formal coalition negotiations. Their non-negotiable pledges include making Cape Town more affordable, expanding indigent relief, protecting public land for housing and community facilities, and prioritizing public infrastructure investment.