ANC VOWS STABLE, SERVICE-FOCUSED COALITIONS
The African National Congress (ANC) says it will prioritise stable, transparent and accountable coalition governments focused on service delivery as it navigates a fragmented local government landscape following the 4 November 2026 Local Government Elections.
In a statement issued by national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu, the party says any coalition agreements must be based on a common minimum programme with measurable service delivery targets.
The ANC says it wants municipal governments that take decisive action against corruption and fulfil their constitutional responsibilities, including providing water, electricity, sanitation, roads, public spaces, safety and a clean environment.
The party acknowledges that, despite progress made since 1994, poverty, inequality, unemployment and poor spatial planning remain major challenges.
It says its approach will be guided by its Local Government Elections Manifesto, with a focus on improving service delivery, transforming municipalities, addressing the needs of poor households and protecting workers’ rights.
The ANC is expected to issue a comprehensive statement on Tuesday, 17 November 2026, outlining progress in its coalition negotiations. The party says there will be no media engagements on the matter before then.
The announcement follows the ANC’s Extended Special National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held at the Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg on 12 November, where the party discussed its post-election strategy.
The ANC’s support has dropped to approximately 30.8%, down from 45.6% in the 2021 local government elections. Although it remains the largest political party nationally, it faces a difficult coalition landscape, with more than 130 hung councils.
Media reports on the NEC outcomes suggest that the party is considering a municipality-by-municipality approach to coalition negotiations, with the Democratic Alliance (DA) reportedly viewed as a partner of last resort. The negotiations have also been centralised under Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula.
Meanwhile, the Council of the Left, which includes the South African Communist Party (SACP), Economic Freedom