With the local government election results counted and no party securing an outright majority, political parties have begun coalition talks.

The ANC received 25.93% of the votes in Mogale City Local Municipality, and according to its regional spokesperson, David Serojane, the party is already in coalition talks.

“We have received correspondence from the secretary-general directing the establishment of a regional negotiation committee to engage opposition political parties towards exploring local government unity arrangements in municipalities where such arrangements are necessary,” he said.

He said their approach is guided by the broader objective of promoting political stability, strengthening governance and ensuring the uninterrupted delivery of quality services to residents across the West Rand.

National framework guides talks

“The regional coalition negotiation committee is engaging all relevant political parties represented in councils to explore possible governance arrangements in the best interests of communities. These engagements will be guided by the national framework as presented by the ANC National Executive Committee, as well as the strategic direction of the ANC’s national leadership,” he said.

At this stage, he said no specific announcement date has been determined. The ANC must first conclude political engagements and negotiations, and will communicate any proposed arrangements through the appropriate structures once the necessary processes are finalised.

No predetermined percentage target

“The regional negotiation committee is mandated to engage relevant opposition political parties represented in councils. However, it would be premature to disclose or speculate on specific political parties before formal engagements take place and the necessary internal consultations conclude. We are not approaching the negotiations with a predetermined percentage target. The focus is on securing sustainable governance arrangements informed by the electoral outcomes, the political realities in each affected municipality and, most importantly, the interests of residents. Any allocation of responsibilities or representation within possible governance arrangements will form part of the negotiation process,” he said.

Serojane said the party remains committed to its electoral mandate and its responsibility to serve communities. Any governance arrangement will require political cooperation, consultation and shared accountability.

“Our priority is to ensure that political arrangements do not compromise service delivery, but instead contribute towards stable, functional and accountable local government. The ANC will continue to advance its programme of action and champion the interests of the communities it serves,” he concluded.