JOHANNESBURG - Coalition negotiations are expected to shape the administration of many municipalities following the 2026 Local Government Elections.
Political parties are now weighing up potential partners and the conditions under which they would be willing to work together.
The African Transformation Movement (ATM) says any coalition agreement must include a shared commitment to strengthening municipal capacity and ensuring effective service delivery.
“If we agree on what’s to be done, we can work together. But if there’s no agreement in terms of the work that must be done by the municipality, it won’t work," said ATM leader Vuyo Zungula.
"For instance, we’re very clear on the question of building the capacity of the municipality to deliver services to the people, because on Wednesday, when people were voting, they were voting for exactly that: municipalities that deliver.
"So we can never work with a party that says the delivery of services, that function, must be given to the private sector that is profit-driven. For us, there’s a huge contradiction," he said.
Read more: Elections 2026 | Parties urged to find common ground as coalition talks loom