PRETORIA, Gauteng — Following the 2026 local government elections, the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) is urging political parties to prioritize coalition stability and basic service delivery over political maneuvering in hung councils.
Motalatale Modiba, SALGA spokesperson, emphasized that unstable coalitions could severely impact ground-level service delivery. Political parties currently have a statutory 14-day period to constitute municipal councils, with a deadline falling on November 22. Modiba noted that if parties fail to reach an agreement within this window, the law empowers the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) to intervene to ensure councils can hold their inaugural meetings and elect necessary office bearers.
With the national coalition bill still before parliament, Modiba explained that SALGA and COGTA have developed practical guidelines to govern the current landscape. These frameworks require coalition agreements to be transparent, publicly accessible, and focused on clear decision-making and dispute resolution mechanisms. The primary goal, he stressed, must be translating political commitments into integrated development plans and municipal budgets.
Addressing the unprecedented number of hung councils, Modiba framed the election results as a sign of a maturing democracy. He pointed out that of the 70 coalition arrangements formed after the 2021 elections, the majority operated smoothly and brought diverse perspectives to governance. He highlighted that increased voter turnout in 2026 reflects a public demand for accountability and a clear mandate for parties to govern “stronger together.”
This shift in voter behavior is also driving a renewed focus on community involvement. According to Modiba, the revised White Paper on Local Governance places a strong emphasis on public participation extending beyond the ballot box. New ward committees and community platforms are being established to ensure residents continuously hold their elected officials accountable.
To equip new councillors for the complexities of coalition governance, SALGA has updated its Integrated Councillor Induction Program. The training is rolled out in three distinct phases:
- Phase One: A week-long intensive orientation covering legislative frameworks, municipal finance, ethics, and the newly passed White Paper on Local Governance.
- Phase Two: Area-specific training tailored to the individual portfolio committees councillors will serve on.
- Phase Three: Long-term accredited training leading to National Qualifications Framework (NQF) levels 4, 5, and 6 through higher learning institutions.
Modiba confirmed that this capacity-building initiative will run continuously throughout the term of office to accommodate new councillors and ensure efficient service delivery.
Finally, Modiba addressed the concerning climate of political violence and intimidation witnessed during the 2026 election period. He called on law enforcement to halt these incidents, warning that they deter capable community members from entering public service. He also placed a responsibility on political parties to educate their members on contesting power through established democratic frameworks rather than resorting to violence, ensuring the integrity of the local government system is maintained.