Reform local government for coalition future

Tshwane, Joburg, Ekurhuleni, eThekwini and Nelson Mandela Bay are led by coalitions confronted by dynamics that interrupt the functioning and cohesion needed to advance local governance.

Over the past seven years, local government missed an opportunity to reform itself by acknowledging the realities of coalition governance.

The amendment of the Municipal Structure Act in June 2021, failed to be futuristic by articulating how coalition governance can be embraced.

This situation nearly collapsed the City of Tshwane in March this year, where the municipality was only lead by the speaker and the municipal manager.

Worse, it coincided with the council meeting to pass the budget, but there was no mayor to present it. Council cohesion is a necessary tool for speeding up service delivery through council resolutions.

The balance of forces in these metros remain in a power play, which does not inspire confidence for developmental local government.

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Stifling of power

The metro caucuses are experiencing organisational stifling of power based on individual and political interests and not shared vision and political management.

These caucuses are failing in their obligations to enable councils to pass resolutions supportive of a local developmental agenda. Introspection is needed to strengthen coalition councils.

The battle for control of councils reflect fragile coalitions, particularly in the last six months. The City of Joburg used courts for resolving political disparities.

Ekurhuleni removed mayor Tania Campbell, only to return her to the position a few weeks later and in the City of Tshwane, former councillor Murunwa Makwarela was mayor for 48 hours.

Change of allegiance

The change of coalition partners’ allegiance resulted in the removal of the former mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay metro, Eugene Johnson, given disparities in the ANC-led coalition.

The loss of strategic positions by the ANC to the minority parties reflects in coalitions in Joburg and Ekurhuleni, resulting in fronting power to the less mandated.

There is a growing sentiment that coalitions are the future for South African local government. Amending the Municipal Structures Act to allow a window period for elected officials before motions of no confidence and recalls must be regulated.

This would give municipal caucuses an opportunity to learn the art of engagement to settle areas of manually exclusive interest. The amendment must include a rigorous conflict resolution mechanism.

READ MORE: Perhaps the DA should rethink their coalition strategy

-Sebake is director of student governance and development at Nelson Mandela University