ANC NEC Set to Decide Coalition Mandate Amid Hung Municipal Councils

Decisive NEC Meeting to Address Coalition Mandate

The African National Congress (ANC) is holding a pivotal Extended Special National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on Thursday to decide on its coalition negotiation strategy after the 2026 Local Government Elections resulted in 127 municipal councils across South Africa without a single party majority. The party will consider a Mandating Guide for its negotiations team and review initial reports from engagements with other parties attempting to secure stable local governments.

Election Outcome Sets the Stage for Coalition Talks

Recent election results saw the ANC retain its position as the country’s largest political party, though with a reduced share of the voteearning 30.76% compared to 45.59% in 2021. The Democratic Alliance (DA) finished second with 24.64%, while the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party secured 9.76%, according to the Electoral Commission of South Africa.

With 127 out of 213 municipal councils left without an outright majority, coalition negotiations are expected to play a crucial role in determining which parties govern these municipalities over the next five years. Only 72 councils achieved a clear majority victory for a single party.

Mandate for Negotiation Team Under the Spotlight

The focus of the ANC’s NEC meeting is the adoption of a Mandating Guide, which will provide a framework and direction to the party’s coalition negotiation team. The NEC will also assess early engagement reports from discussions with other political parties as part of their strategy to shape the local government landscape amid the hung councils.

“The ANC’s response must not be reduced to negotiations for municipal positions. It must address the lives of South Africans, the stability of local government and the renewal of the movement,” said ANC national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu.

Consultations with Alliance Partners and Structures

In preparation for the NEC gathering, the ANC undertook extensive consultations with both its alliance partners and internal structures to collectively assess the significance of the election results and the responsibilities that come with them.

• The National Working Committee met earlier in the week to deliberate on the party’s next steps.
• Further engagements followed with the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) and the South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO).
• Additional meetings included discussions with the party’s Leagues and the uMkhonto we Sizwe Liberation War Veterans (MKLWV).

These consultations are part of what the ANC describes as a “collective consideration” of both the electoral mandate and the practical steps required to provide leadership during local government formation.

Coalition Negotiations and the Road Ahead

The coalition negotiation process comes with tight deadlines. Newly elected municipal councils are required by law to convene their first meetings within 14 days of the declaration of results. During these initial sessions, councillors must elect mayors, speakers, and other critical office-bearers, which are often subject to intense political negotiation in hung councils.

The outcome of the ANC’s NEC deliberations will set the trajectory for its ongoing coalition discussions. The party’s negotiation team will operate within the mandate decided on Thursday, as talks with other political formations continue in the effort to secure stable governance arrangements.

Context: Coalition Politics in South Africa

Coalition governments at the municipal level have become increasingly common as voter support has diversified among several parties. Such arrangements require ongoing negotiation, compromise, and careful management to maintain stability and deliver services effectively.

While the details of possible coalition agreements remain undisclosed until negotiations are concluded, the ANC’s aim, according to statements from its leadership, is to prioritise service delivery, local stability, and organisational renewal alongside the required political agreements.

Next Steps for Municipal Governance

As councils prepare to meet and elect their leaders, the political landscape remains highly fluid. The ANC, as well as other parties, face significant responsibilities in responding to the election outcomenot only in forming coalitions but in ensuring local government functions effectively for communities countrywide.

The coming days will be critical as parties navigate the complexities of coalition politics and the obligations to the electorate arising from a closely contested local poll.