Coalition Tensions Rise as ANC and DA Clash Over Governance in Johannesburg

A power struggle between South Africa’s two biggest political parties—the African National Congress (ANC) and the Democratic Alliance (DA)—is threatening to destabilize governance in Johannesburg, the country’s largest city and economic hub.

At the heart of the crisis is the DA’s motion of no confidence in Mayor Kabelo Gwamanda Morero, accusations of corruption against the Johannesburg Property Company, and escalating tensions that are testing the strength of the country’s fragile Government of National Unity (GNU).

City in Turmoil as Political Unity Wavers

The national coalition, formed after the 2024 general elections failed to produce an outright winner, includes ten parties with the ANC and DA as central players. But while they share power at the national level, the local dynamics in Johannesburg tell a different story.

The DA, which governs nationally in partnership with the ANC, is the official opposition in the Johannesburg council. It has accused the ANC-aligned mayor of “abusing his power” and ignoring repeated calls for accountability, particularly regarding allegations of misconduct within the city’s property company.

“We want him out because we don’t believe he’s going to self-correct,” said Leah Knott Kayser-Echeozonjoku, DA Johannesburg caucus leader.

Scandals Erupt Over Property Company and Fire Tragedy

The Johannesburg Property Company (JPC) and its CEO, Helen Botes, are at the center of a corruption storm. The DA has filed criminal charges against the company and Botes, alleging corruption and even culpable homicide over a tragic building fire in the inner city.

While the JPC said a previous probe by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) did not result in prosecution, the DA has urged President Cyril Ramaphosa to launch a full investigation. The city has yet to respond officially.

The accusations have also reignited criticism from SAMWU (South African Municipal Workers Union), which previously marched against what it called inaction by the mayor.

A Tenuous Coalition Faces Local Resistance

Despite the GNU’s formation just under a year ago, unity between the ANC and DA has proven difficult, especially in municipalities like Johannesburg and Pretoria. The ANC recently ousted the DA from Pretoria, further straining relations.

“In some instances, the ANC and DA leaders have been struggling to convince their party rank-and-files that they need to work together,” said political analyst Melanie Verwoerd. “The squabbling at municipal and provincial level only makes their task more difficult.”

In Johannesburg’s 270-seat council, the ANC holds roughly a third of the seats, while the DA has just over a quarter. With neither party commanding a majority, the city has seen unstable leadership and a series of unsuccessful no-confidence motions. Service delivery has suffered, with residents voicing growing frustration.

What’s Next for Johannesburg—and South Africa?

With local elections set for 2026, the stakes are rising. Both the ANC and DA risk losing ground if voters perceive them as too embroiled in political infighting to govern effectively.

Johannesburg’s trajectory now serves as a critical test for the national coalition experiment. Can political rivals put aside power struggles for the sake of effective governance? Or will Johannesburg’s dysfunction foreshadow deeper fractures in South Africa’s young GNU?

For now, Johannesburg remains caught in the middle—between decaying infrastructure, alleged corruption, and a battle for control that could define South Africa’s political future.

{Source: MoneyWeb}

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