Pretoria:Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister, Velenkosini Hlabisa, has urged stakeholders in local government to proactively support municipalities, especially those engaged in coalition negotiations. This comes as newly elected councillors begin forming municipal councils following the 2026 Local Government Elections.
According to South African Government News Agency, the Minister made this call during a Special Minister and Members of Executive Councils (MINMEC) meeting. The meeting focused on Guidelines for Stable Coalitions in Local Government, aiming to assist municipalities in navigating coalition arrangements for stability in the new term.
The special MINMEC included leaders from CoGTA, the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, provincial MECs, and executives from the South African Local Government Association, the Municipal Demarcation Board, and CoGTA's national and provincial structures. The meeting followed a technical MINMEC where draft guidelines were reviewed before political consideration and approval.
Following the elections on November 4, 2026, the priority is to establish municipal councils within legislative timeframes. Several hung councils emerged, requiring political parties to negotiate coalitions or cooperation to establish governing majorities. Hlabisa emphasized the need for political maturity and commitment to ensure stability and continuity in governance.
The Local Government Municipal Structures Amendment Bill of 2026, known as the Municipal Coalitions Bill, remains under parliamentary review. Meanwhile, the newly approved guidelines offer an interim framework to assist political parties and municipalities in coalition negotiations, managing disagreements, and establishing stable governance structures.
Hlabisa noted past issues with unstable coalitions, leading to poor governance, frequent leadership changes, and administrative disruptions. The guidelines aim to assist coalition governments in providing stable and effective leadership, ensuring uninterrupted service delivery to residents.
The Electoral Commission of South Africa is set to publish election results in the Government Gazette this week, triggering a 14-day period for constituting metropolitan and local councils. This process will occur from November 12 to 26, 2026, with district councils forming subsequently.
Hlabisa urged political parties and municipalities to complete the process within prescribed timeframes, warning that delays could undermine governance and service delivery. CoGTA, with provincial governments and stakeholders, will continue providing consistent support, particularly to municipalities with hung councils or governance challenges.
The Minister reiterated the importance of political arrangements not undermining municipal administration or service delivery and called on provincial MECs to support municipalities throughout the constitution process, promoting stable and accountable local government.
Source South African Government News Agency