DA rules out talks with MK Party as it pushes for outright wins in local polls

The Democratic Alliance will not enter talks with the MK Party as it prepares for the local government elections on November 4, DA chairperson Dean Macpherson said, insisting the party is aiming for outright majorities rather than coalition arrangements.

“No one’s beds we are lying in”

Speaking at a media briefing, Macpherson was explicit about the party’s stance:

“There are no discussions we are having. There are no talks that we are having. There’s no one’s beds we are lying in here. We are only in our room and our hotel because we want to win,”

and added,

“I can tell you straight up, for free, it doesn’t include the MK Party. So we are very clear on that.”

Goal: implement the manifesto without compromise

Macpherson said the DA’s priority is to secure a majority that will allow it to implement its manifesto “lock, stock and barrel. No compromise,” without having to negotiate with other parties.

Campaign preparations and candidate selection

The DA announced its mayoral candidates for uMhlathuze and Ray Nkonyeni as it ramps up for the vote. The party also confirmed the defection of ActionSA’s former KwaDukuza mayoral candidate, Halalisani Ndlovu, to the DA.

Macpherson defended the DA’s candidate-selection process, saying it differs from other parties and requires candidates to undergo several stages. He said candidates could apply and were required to undergo an interview and submit a substantive document and work plan demonstrating what they could do. He described the process as fair and transparent and said it was intended to prevent political patronage and ensure personal relationships with senior party figures did not determine placement on electoral lists.

Ready for the election

Macpherson said the DA had submitted all its candidate lists to the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) and was ready for the elections.

What remains clear

Macpherson’s comments underline the DA’s public strategy of seeking outright control in municipalities rather than relying on coalition partners, and its explicit refusal to engage the MK Party in talks ahead of the November 4 local government elections.