2019: The year of the coalitions?
The Zuma era triggered a change in the way South Africans vote, leading to a number of DA-led coalitions at local level — but the difficulty of holding coalitions together shouldn’t be underestimated
Next year is set to be the year of the coalition government if SA’s opposition parties have their way. Pushing the ANC’s national support below 50% has been something no party has been able to do since the first democratic election in 1994. The 2016 local government elections signalled a significant shift in the way South Africans vote, as the mighty ANC lost control of three major metros. Johannesburg, Tshwane and Nelson Mandela Bay fell into the hands of smaller parties that joined forces, led by DA executive mayors, to ensure the ANC lost power. This set the stage for coalition politics which had until then only really been implemented in the Western Cape, where the DA has been governing since the 2009 general elections. Former president Jacob Zuma was a gift to the opposition, even during the local government election, with his antics at the helm of the ANC and government affecting support for the party. This bore fruit for the DA as multiple hung councils were up for grabs afte...
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.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.