{
  "id": 19935990,
  "title": "McKenzie warns PA will sit in opposition rather than accept ‘any deal’",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/14/mckenzie-warns-pa-will-sit-in-opposition-rather-than-accept-any-deal",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-14T07:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IOL",
    "slug": "iol",
    "url": "https://iol.co.za/capetimes/news/2026-11-14-mckenzie-warns-pa-will-sit-in-opposition-rather-than-accept-any-deal/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Patriotic Alliance leader Gayton McKenzie has warned that his party would prefer to sit in opposition rather than form any kind of coalition agreement merely to gain government positions. This stance was revealed in a Facebook post following the PA's decision to back ActionSA’s mayoral candidate in Laingsburg, amid ongoing negotiations for the formation of local governments. McKenzie highlighted tensions between the ANC and DA, suggesting that the DA is exploring alternative political arrangements as coalition talks progress. He criticized Premier Panyaza Lesufi for advocating for the ANC to distance itself from the DA, noting that the DA is now engaging with the MK and EFF. McKenzie urged PA members not to be afraid of sitting in opposition, stating that the party will not compromise its principles for the sake of power. The PA's decision to support ActionSA’s candidate in Laingsburg follows discussions between the two parties on Wednesday. Laingsburg was identified as the first municipality where both parties had representation. ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba explained that the PA agreed to engage with the party after the DA ignored its attempts to meet. Mashaba expressed gratitude for the PA's support, stating that ActionSA is now drafting a coalition agreement with the PA and ANC, with ActionSA taking over the mayorship of Laingsburg. Mashaba highlighted the PA's willingness to support ActionSA in securing the numbers needed to form a government. The PA's agreement with ActionSA has sparked tension with three smaller political formations: the People’s Movement for Change, Pik & Graaf, and the Karoo Democratic Force. These parties have announced plans to form a collective political bloc of five councillors, accusing ActionSA of acting in bad faith by finalizing its agreement with the PA while discussions with these groups were still ongoing.",
  "summary": "Patriotic Alliance leader Gayton McKenzie says the party will not accept coalition deals simply to secure positions, as the PA backs ActionSA’s mayoral candidate in Laingsburg. The agreement has drawn criticism from the People’s Movement for Change, Pik & Graaf and the Karoo Democratic Force.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}