The Democratic Alliance has met with most of the opposition parties represented in councils they are interested in forming coalitions with, its federal executive chairman James Selfe said on Monday.<\/p>\n
The various parties had discussed what was important to them.<\/p>\n
While the talks were at a \u201cvery early stage\u201d, Selfe said certain proposals were made.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have been asked to respond in writing, which will probably go out later today. The idea is there will then be follow-ups,\u201d he said during a lunch break of a fedex meeting.<\/p>\n
One of the issues at hand was dealing with ideological issues of co-governments.<\/p>\n
DA mayoral candidate Athol Trollip said on Saturday that talks were taking place at national level to form coalitions in Nelson Mandela Bay, Tshwane and, potentially, in Johannesburg.<\/p>\n
He would not disclose any details, other than to repeat United Democratic Movement leader Bantu Holomisa\u2019s and UDM regional chairperson Mongameli Bobani\u2019s statements that they would form a coalition with the DA.<\/p>\n
If the UDM joined the DA in Nelson Mandela Bay, the DA would need only another two seats for a majority.<\/p>\n
Nelson Mandela Bay was one of the most contested metros in the 2016 local government elections. The DA wrested control from the African National Congress by securing 46.7% of the vote and 57 seats in the 120-seat council.<\/p>\n
With election results officially declared on Saturday, cities now had 14 days to set up an executive council.<\/p>\n
Selfe was asked whether he thought this was enough time to finalise coalitions.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh yes,\u201d he said emphatically. \u201cIf you can\u2019t find each other in 14 days, then it\u2019s probably a sign that you will never find each other.\u201d<\/p>\n
Gauteng ANC in talks over coalitions \u2013 Mashatile<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n SA political parties talk coalitions after game changing elections<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n