DA and ActionSA face coalition test as Gauteng metros hang in the balance

Detailed summary

The DA and ActionSA face high-stakes coalition talks as hung councils in major Gauteng metros leave the future of municipal governance hanging in the balance.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) and ActionSA could find themselves having to set political differences aside as coalition negotiations take shape in Gauteng’s major metropolitan municipalities following the 2026 local government elections.

With no outright winner emerging in several councils, including the City of Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni, the two parties are among those whose electoral support could prove decisive in determining who governs the metros.

Political analyst Vusi Gumbi said coalition negotiations were likely to be complex, with the outcome in each municipality depending on the numbers, the parties involved and the conditions attached to possible agreements.

He said political parties needed to remain flexible while being careful not to compromise on their core principles.

Opening of the article, excerpted from Mail & Guardian. To read the rest, open the article on the publisher's site.