Parties signal coalition talks as early results show hung councils
Ongoing: Elections Hot
ActionSA, the DA, the ANC and the EFF said they are open to talks with rivals as early local government election results point to a more fragmented vote. ActionSA said talks about talks have already begun.
ActionSA national chairperson Michael Beaumont said on Thursday that talks about talks have begun. He said the parties cannot say more yet, because the final numbers are a big part of the equation. DA federal chairperson Solly Msimanga said the DA will not give up its principles or trade executive posts for power.
ANC deputy secretary-general Nomvula Mokonyane dismissed reports that the DA had offered to give up Nelson Mandela Bay in return for control of the Gauteng metros. She called the claims gossip.
Political analyst Tessa Dooms said the elections were likely to produce more coalition governments than ever before. She said smaller parties and independent candidates could hold the balance of power.
EFF Tshwane mayoral candidate Omphile Maotwe said low turnout, especially among black voters, partly explains the EFF's performance. She said the party's African wards had not yet come in and the picture would change a lot.
Key facts
- Who
- Michael Beaumont (ActionSA national chairperson); Solly Msimanga (DA federal chairperson); Nomvula Mokonyane (ANC deputy secretary-general); Omphile Maotwe (EFF Tshwane mayoral candidate)
- What
- As early local government election results suggest a further fragmentation of the vote, parties say they are open to coalition talks with rivals across the political spectrum. ActionSA says talks about talks have begun, and the DA, ANC and EFF have also signalled openness to engagement.
- When
- 5 November 2026
- Where
- South Africa
- Status
- Reported