DA Opens Coalition Talks Across South Africa

Two-thirds of South Africa's municipalities will require coalition governments, and the DA has begun contacting opposing parties.

Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in City Hall

Bold flat-color editorial illustration in deep red and cream showing a civic building silhouette above a single negotiating-table block under a pale sky. — South African DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis opened coalition talks with rival parties after ANC chairperson Gwede Mantashe rejected cooperation with the DA. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you trust local government more when parties form coalitions together?

DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis announced coalition talks with other parties to form stable governments in municipalities nationwide. ANC chairperson Gwede Mantashe said the ANC does not see itself cooperating with the DA.

Why it matters

Coalitions will be needed in about two-thirds of South Africa's municipalities, a far larger share than before, so cooperation between parties will shape local governance across much of the country. The ANC's refusal to work with the DA signals that some of these talks may prove difficult.

Roughly two-thirds of South Africa's municipalities will need coalition governments, up from only some areas previously. It is not yet clear which parties will agree to form these coalitions, as the ANC has ruled out cooperating with the DA.

The players

Geordin Hill-Lewis

Leader of the Democratic Alliance, the main opposition party in South Africa's national parliament, who has led the party's push for municipal coalitions.

Gwede Mantashe

Chairperson of the African National Congress, South Africa's governing party, and a senior figure in its national leadership.

The details

DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis made the announcement at the national election results announcement centre in Midrand on Friday morning. The DA has begun contacting opposing parties, while Kapa mayor said coalition talks are not open to anyone and are conducted at the highest level of the ANC, with the ANC president.

6 November 2026: Hill-Lewis announces coalition talks at the Midrand results centre.

Political Context

The need for coalitions follows the pattern set in South Africa's 2016 local elections, when hung councils forced parties to negotiate power-sharing in major cities. The current situation is broader, affecting around two-thirds of municipalities, while the ANC's refusal to deal with the DA reflects the strained relations between the two largest parties.

Residents in municipalities that now need coalitions may see changes in which parties run their local councils and how services are prioritised. The outcome of these talks will determine how stable local governments are in the months ahead.

The takeaway

Coalition deals in two-thirds of municipalities will decide local leadership across South Africa, and the ANC's stance on the DA makes some of those agreements uncertain. Readers should watch which parties commit to working together in their own municipality.