Political parties negotiating municipal coalitions can agree how to govern, but they cannot use those deals to take control of tender awards or administrative appointments. That is a central warning in new guidelines issued by CoGTA Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa on 11 November.

The department says approximately 138 metropolitan and local municipalities, about 65%, emerged from the 4 November elections without an outright majority. Their options include coalitions, minority governments and other cooperative arrangements.

The coalition law is still pending

The guidelines arrive before the legislation intended to regulate coalition arrangements. As Mthatha Express reported from his meeting with provincial counterparts, Hlabisa said the Municipal Coalitions Bill was still moving through Parliament. He described the guidelines as an interim framework for managing agreements, disagreements and the formation of new councils.

That distinction matters: issuing guidance does not mean the pending Bill has become law. Parties must work within the legislation already in force.

What parties are being asked to put in writing

According to the ministry’s announcement, coalition partners are encouraged to record:

  • Their shared priorities and political responsibilities.
  • How decisions will be made and disputes resolved.
  • The standards of conduct they will follow.

A template agreement is provided. But decisions about procurement, tenders and administrative appointments must stay with the people or bodies legally authorised to make them. A private political agreement cannot replace those decision-makers.

Talks do not stop the clock

The ministry says the first metro and local council meetings must be convened within 14 days of the Gazette notice naming elected councillors. Coalition negotiations do not extend that deadline.

The department says provinces will continue supporting and overseeing municipalities through the new term, especially hung councils and those that previously struggled to function.

The test residents can apply

For residents and businesses, the useful question extends beyond who becomes mayor. Can the parties explain how disagreements will be settled without paralysing the council, and who remains accountable for lawful administrative decisions?

The guidelines offer a way to judge those answers. They do not, by themselves, demonstrate that the next coalition will be stable or that services will improve. That will depend on what councils actually do after the agreements are signed.

Illustration: SA Business Lens. Conceptual municipal setting.

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