DA And MK Party Hold Surprise Coalition Talks In Midrand
The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) and the Democratic Alliance (DA) are holding coalition discussions in Midrand, north of Johannesburg, in an unexpected development after previously ruling out working together.
The meeting today, Saturday, 14 November, follows a formal approach by DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis to MKP leader and former president Jacob Zuma earlier this week.
According to SABC News, the MKP accepted the invitation, with its national negotiator, Advocate Dali Mpofu, leading the party’s delegation.
The talks come after the 4 November local government elections left 127 municipalities without outright majorities, forcing parties to consider coalition arrangements.
In Johannesburg, the DA emerged as the largest party with 91 of the 270 council seats, followed by the ANC with 63, ActionSA with 43, the EFF with 17 and the MKP with 15.
The DA had previously opposed working with the MKP and EFF in key municipalities, while the MKP had indicated it was willing to engage with any party open to negotiations.
However, Saturday’s meeting does not guarantee a coalition agreement, as both parties still need to resolve their policy differences and secure approval from their respective leadership structures.
The discussions form part of wider negotiations as parties attempt to secure governing majorities in hung councils across the country.
