By Lebone Rodah Mosima
The African National Congress (ANC) has been mandated to engage all political parties, including smaller formations, civic movements and independent candidates, as it seeks to establish stable governing arrangements following the 2026 local government elections.
The mandate was issued by the ANC’s Special Extended National Executive Committee (NEC), which met to deliberate on the party’s approach to municipal coalitions after an election that it said had produced an “unprecedented” number of hung municipalities.
According to IOL’s election results centre, 130 councils were classified as hung, while a further nine were classified as drawn, with no party holding more than half the seats.
The results showed that the ANC had secured outright majorities in 53 municipalities, compared with 12 for the Democratic Alliance (DA), five for the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) and three for the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP).
Despite losing considerable ground nationally, the ANC remained the leading party in more municipalities than any of its rivals.
IOL’s results centre listed the ANC as the leading party in 129 municipalities, compared with 32 for the DA.
However, the election outcome means the ANC will have to negotiate coalition or other governing agreements in many municipalities where it does not have an outright majority.
“This situation has imposed on all political parties a duty to reflect and determine the best and most stable coalitions to serve the people of South Africa,” the ANC said.
“The development of our country depends largely on the effectiveness of our councils, and the ANC remains committed to establishing stable and working local government.”
The party said the NEC had mandated it to engage all political parties, large and small, including civic movements and independents, in municipalities where no party had secured an outright majority.
It said discussions with various political parties were already under way, guided by the ANC’s coalition framework.
“We have also received requests from political parties that have expressed their willingness to work with the African National Congress,” the party said.
The ANC said it was approaching the discussions with an open mind and a willingness to listen and engage constructively in the interests of South Africans.
“Our commitment is to ensure stability in all councils and decide on the most viable and effective way to serve our communities,” the party said.
The party stressed that any coalition agreement would have to be based on a common programme with measurable service delivery targets.
“Any coalition agreement must be anchored in a common minimum programme with measurable service delivery targets,” the party said.
It added that it would pursue stable, transparent and accountable municipal government, with decisive action against corruption.
The ANC also emphasised the constitutional responsibilities of local government, including the provision of water, electricity, sanitation and roads, the maintenance of public spaces, safety, a clean and healthy environment, and the development of local economies.
“While significant progress has been made in extending basic services and the social wage since the dawn of democracy, much work remains to address poverty, inequality, unemployment, and poor spatial planning,” the ANC said.
In line with its local government election manifesto, the party said it would continue to advance transformation and improve service delivery, particularly for poor households, while protecting workers’ rights and interests.
The ANC said it would issue a comprehensive statement on Tuesday, 17 November 2026, updating South Africans on the progress of its coalition negotiations.
It added that there would be no media engagements on the matter before Tuesday.
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