JOHANNESBURG - The Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) Department has published guidelines to help parties navigate coalition talks following the Local Government Elections.
It follows a Technical MINMEC held on 9 November 2026, during which the draft guidelines were considered, and technical inputs were made to strengthen and improve the document.
The enhanced guidelines were presented to the Political MINMEC on Wednesday for consideration and approval.
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The framework guides political parties and municipalities in navigating coalition arrangements, managing potential disagreements, and setting up stable governance structures as the new municipal councils are formed.
Approximately 138 metropolitan and local municipalities did not secure outright majorities, making power-sharing arrangements necessary.
COGTA Minister, Velenkosini Hlabisa, has called on provincial and local departments to support municipalities in implementing agreements.
Hlabisa has also called on leaders to intervene where political instability threatens municipal operations.