The DA and MHRF met last week, without the EFF, who declined the invitation on the back of another urgent meeting.

“We are hopeful that today’s discussions would map a way forward,” the MHRF’s Ben Mokoena told www.mobserver.co.za.

Mr Mokoena says the party would not negotiate with the ANC, echoing the sentiments of the DA, EFF and FF+.

Lone independent candidate, Thoman Mpye of Kwazamokuhle, has not been invited to today’s meeting. He told www.mobserver.co.za that he’d be open to discussions with all parties.

Nationally, both the DA and EFF already distanced themselves from coalition talks with the DA’s John Steenhuisen confirming that the EFF and ANC were off-limits to the DA in any coalition talks.

DA mayoral candidate Bosman Grobler told www.mobserver.co.za that “the DA would rather be a strong opposition for its voters, than be a weak coalition”.

Nevertheless, “we’ll hear them out today,” he told www.mobserver.co.za, despite adding that the final decision on any coalitions, would be dealt with nationally.

At this gambit, the only possible support for an ANC led coalition, would come from Mr Mpye’s side, and even with his support, the ANC would still not have an outright majority.

The party has 21 seats, and needs at least ten more, to take hold of council.

If opposition parties fail to reach a coalition agreement, the ANC, as majority seat holder, will vote in a mayor, speaker, chief whip, as well as six mayoral committee members.

The new council will have to be convened within the next 14 days.

Municipal Manager, Advocate Bheki Khenisa, could not be reached for clarity on when the council sitting might take place.