Potential ANC-ActionSA Alliance Alters Johannesburg Political Landscape

Emerging Coalition Possibilities in Johannesburg

The political contest for Johannesburg’s top office has intensified with the emergence of a potential alliance between the African National Congress (ANC) and ActionSA. This development comes as early 2026 election results indicate a close race among the city’s leading parties, with discussions of coalition options rising to prominence.

The Election Tally and Growing Tensions

Preliminary election outcomes placed the Democratic Alliance (DA) at the front in Johannesburg, with the ANC trailing closely and ActionSA in third. However, analysts noted these standings could shift as vote counting continued. While the DA is a significant force in the race, the ANC and ActionSA are exploring alternatives that could shape the city’s future governance.

The DA, currently part of the ANC-led government of national unity (GNU) with eight other parties on the national stage, has suggested that similar coalition arrangements be considered at the local level. Yet, local dynamics in Gauteng and Johannesburg are proving more contentious.

Coalition Discussions: Competing Visions

Helen Zille, the DA’s federal council chair and mayoral candidate for Johannesburg, has publicly expressed willingness to discuss coalition terms, emphasizing that the party is focused on retaining “effective governance and leadership in the metro.” Zille elaborated that the DA prefers to be in opposition if it cannot govern effectively within any coalition framework.

By contrast, ANC leaders in Johannesburg have voiced strong reservations about collaborating with the DA. An ANC insider was quoted saying,

“We would hate to align with the DA. The DA is not our friend; it is not a friend of the poor.”

Instead, the ANC leadership is seeking partnerships beyond the DA, aiming to lead a local coalition with other parties.

ActionSA’s Stance and Past Coalition Tensions

ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba, running for the Johannesburg mayoral seat, affirmed during a press event that he remains open to working with a range of political actors, including the ANC and EFF. However, Mashaba ruled out any future cooperation with the DA after what he described as significant mistreatment during a previous coalition arrangement following the 2021 local elections.

Mashaba specifically declined to work with Helen Zille, stating,

“She must go back to Cape Town… I wouldn’t like to see [ActionSA] abused again.”

He emphasized that ActionSA’s current approach is to build productive partnerships while avoiding past pitfalls.

Paving the Way for a New Power Bloc

With both ANC and ActionSA excluding the DA from prospective arrangements, they appear to be setting the stage for a coalition that could potentially include the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). Mashaba highlighted a “productive working relationship” between ActionSA, ANC, and EFF in Tshwane, crediting that cooperation with improvements in service delivery there. He criticized the DA’s management in Johannesburg, alleging neglect of less affluent areas during crises such as the Hammanskraal water shortage.

ActionSA has reiterated its commitment to serve all communities in Johannesburg equitably, standing against any governance model that privileges one group over another.

DA’s Focus on Service Delivery

Solly Msimanga, DA Gauteng leader, cautioned that it was too early to predict final winners or coalition outcomes. However, he pointed to the DA’s growing strength, referencing victories in key wards within the province. Msimanga explained that any coalition considerations should begin with agreements on service delivery priorities rather than positions or party privileges:

“It’s about us agreeing what we will do for the people. It should be about how we serve the people first. Then we can engage about who gets what among the parties.”

Looking Ahead: Uncertainty and Opportunity

The final results for Johannesburg remain unsettled, but the possibility of an ANC-ActionSA alliancepotentially in concert with the EFFhas changed the landscape of coalition talks. The city’s leadership and future shape of service delivery may soon hinge on new political alliances, as traditional power-sharing patterns are challenged.

As parties continue to negotiate, Johannesburg residents and observers across South Africa are watching closely to see which coalition will take the reins and how this will impact the city’s future.