In what could be a historic landmark for South African politics a number of political parties have agreed on a coalition pact to govern several hung municipalities across the country.
The DA, FF+, Action SA, ACDP, IFP, and COPE released a joint media statement earlier this week. It pertains to 22 municipalities across South Africa where these parties play prominent roles. It includes the three Gauteng metros.
The statement said that the coalitions would be committed to ‘a culture of accountability, transparency, and good governance’.
The statement also said that the parties would do the following: ‘a Portfolio Caucus will be established to coordinate and enhance decision making; a Joint Caucus will be established to ensure coordination and good communication between coalition partners; and a Management Committee will be responsible for the day-to-day management and administration of the coalition. The agreement also constitutes a Coalition Oversight Group which will maintain an oversight role to monitor the health and strength of the coalition relationships across the various municipalities.’
IRR analysts said that this was the latest development in the emergence of the ‘Wild Dog’ coalition and not unexpected. The Institute has also said a broad coalition of parties to the right of the ANC and EFF could plausibly unseat the ANC in the near future and implement long needed and awaited reforms in South Africa.
It now remains to be seen if the parties in the coalition can set their differences aside and govern the various municipalities effectively and efficiently.