By Thapelo Molefe
African National Congress (ANC) secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has moved to clarify tensions within coalition governments, particularly between the ANC and the Patriotic Alliance (PA), insisting that “each political party is autonomous” and that the ruling party has no authority to dictate how its partners conduct their internal affairs.
Speaking at a media briefing on Saturday on the sidelines of the ANC’s special National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting at Birchwood Conference Centre in Boksburg, Mbalula said the ANC remains committed to stable coalition arrangements, but stressed that alliances must be based on respect and mutual independence.
“Just to be clear, each political party is autonomous. And when you get into a coalition, as per the outcome of the elections, you don’t get into a coalition with the people of your choosing,” Mbalula said.
His remarks come amid heightened tension within coalition-led municipalities, particularly in Johannesburg, where disagreements over
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