Last-minute talks between SA’s biggest political parties may delay a council sitting in Tshwane on Thursday, where a motion of no confidence in executive mayor Cilliers Brink is set to be debated.
Business Day understands reliably that senior ANC and DA leaders are discussing a coalition agreement in Gauteng metros.
ANC and DA leaders said this week that success in the talks could force a change of administrations in Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni. It is understood the DA, ANC and ActionSA all want Tshwane’s mayoral position.
“We are indeed talking to all parties to try to form a lasting arrangement that brings stability, inspires confidence and stands the test of time,” said an ANC NEC member.
Parties are exploring a “stability pact”, a senior DA source told Business Day.
“Changing mayors constantly isn’t working. We need a lasting solution. We are looking at a number of modalities,” said the source.
The talks come after President Cyril Ramaphosa joined 10 political parties in a government of national unity (GNU) after the May 29 general election where no party won an outright majority.
The latest Tshwane developments come after ActionSA’s senate, the party’s highest decision-making structure, cut ties with the metro’s DA-led multiparty coalition, which includes the DA, IFP, African Christian Democratic Party, Freedom Front Plus and Defenders of the People. As part of the initial deal, ActionSA continues to hold the deputy mayor position and other mayoral committee posts.
The decision to cut ties came after months of tension and souring relationships between the two parties. ActionSA accused DA councillors of spoiling their ballots instead of voting for ActionSA’s candidate for speaker. That led to the election of African Transformation Movement (ATM) councillor Mncedi Ndzwanana as speaker in March 2023.
ActionSA alleges the DA continually undermines it in the council and neglects Tshwane black townships services. The DA denies the claims.
“We are now reading in the newspapers that the ANC and DA are in the middle of negotiations. If that’s the case, it’s fine, ActionSA will be on opposition benches,” ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba said on Wednesday.
“In fact, the ANC has not approached us to say they would be continuing with the no-confidence motion on Thursday, but if they continue with it, ActionSA will support it.”
Simmering tension
The DA has criticised ActionSA’s stance, accusing Mashaba of sacrificing Tshwane’s stability and the progress made in turning the city around.
At a meeting of teaching union SADTU on Wednesday, Deputy President Paul Mashatile said: “We agree that the GNU is not our ideal choice, but our approach as the ANC, together with the alliance was to find a way to ensure that we are not derailed from our main goal of transforming our society, including our education sector for the better.” The GNU was the best that could be done.
“I am pleased to report that the GNU is still focused on its task of growing an inclusive economy, fighting poverty, reducing inequality and addressing the cost of living, as well as building an ethical, developmental and capable state. I want to assure you that no progressive policies will be changed and the programme to build a national democratic society remains on course.”
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.