ZAThe article discusses the growing trend of coalition politics in South African local government ahead of the 2026 local elections (LGE2026). It highlights concerns over the instability and volatility of coalition governments, noting that the number of municipalities under coalition governance increased from 70 after the 2021 elections to 76 currently. The piece emphasizes the challenges faced by political parties in forming and maintaining these coalitions, as well as the lack of effective legislative frameworks to regulate them. It references historical trends, including the shift away from the ruling African National Congress (ANC) in Gauteng metro areas since 2016, which marked the beginning of more complex coalition dynamics. The article also notes that some municipalities have moved out of coalition governance, while others remain under informal agreements between larger and smaller parties.
Bias read (Center): While the article presents a critical view of coalition politics and its implications for governance, it does not overtly favor any particular political ideology or party. The framing remains balanced, focusing on the structural and institutional challenges rather than taking a partisan stance. The
