DA and ANC weigh coalition options in Eastern Cape metros
The Democratic Alliance's Federal Executive meets to decide its approach to coalition talks in hung metros after the local government election. The party won 44% in Nelson Mandela Bay and 16% in Buffalo City.
DA Eastern Cape deputy leader Mlindi Nhanha said on Friday that the Federal Executive is dealing with the results. He said part of its task is to decide how best to approach coalition talks.
The ANC did not win a clear majority in Buffalo City. Reports said the party may now need to work with parties such as the DA and the United Democratic Movement to form a working government.
ANC Eastern Cape leader Oscar Mabuyane said the province is in an era of coalitions. He said parties must work together and improve their tolerance. The ANC has not ruled out coalitions in municipalities where it lacks a clear majority.
Key facts
- Who
- Mlindi Nhanha (DA deputy leader in the Eastern Cape); Oscar Mabuyane (ANC provincial leader in the Eastern Cape); Democratic Alliance (political party; FedEx meeting on coalitions); African National Congress (political party; failed to win clear majority in Buffalo City)
- What
- The Democratic Alliance's Federal Executive (FedEx) will hold internal discussions on coalitions in hung metros such as Buffalo City, where the DA got 16% of the vote. The ANC in the Eastern Cape has not ruled out coalitions in municipalities where it lacks a clear majority.
- When
- 7 November 2026
- Where
- Nelson Mandela Bay, Buffalo City, Eastern Cape
- Status
- Reported