Coalitions are increasingly becoming part and parcel of South Africa’s governance system, however political instability across dozens of the country’s coalition-governed municipalities has meant service delivery has taken the back seat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This was outlined by the South African Local Government Association (Salga) in a recent presentation to Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The entity offered a few solutions to bring calm so that residents no longer bear the brunt of messy horse-trading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Broadly, proposals include a framework to guide coalition formation and governance. They advocate for the collective executive system over the mayoral system to enhance stability, inclusivity, and transparency while also suggesting a separation between party politics and governance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Following the 2021 local government elections of South Africa’s 257 municipalities, there was a 204% increase in coalitions \u2013 from 27 to 82.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These were seen in many municipalities with large populations, with Salga saying that 34.5% of the population lives in 9 of the largest coalition-governed municipalities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In Gauteng, the economic hub, for example, 99.26% of the population lived in a hung municipality after the 2021 elections, with the only exception being Midvaal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Analysis from Salga pinpointed 32 municipalities which have “unstable coalitions,” many of which are in municipalities (and metros) with large populations and GDP contributions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example, political instability has resulted in a revolving door of mayors in Gauteng\u2019s three metros of Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni and Tshwane. Since November 2021, Johannesburg has seen six administrations<\/strong>, Ekurhuleni has seen four<\/strong><\/strong>, and Tshwane has seen three.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n
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