Five Tshwane polls give DA an edge in coalition negotiations

With the battle for control of Tshwane entering the counting phase, mayoral candidates and parties are preparing for another hung council and coalition talks, with parties outlining conditions for potential coalition partners. Tshwane has been governed through coalitions since the 2016 local government elections.

DA representative Cilliers Brink said the party would judge possible partners on whether they can help fix water and electricity and restore the rule of law in Tshwane. ActionSA representative Nasiphi Moya said her party will only work with parties that put the interests of all residents first. She said ActionSA also wants illegal immigration dealt with.

Eco Forums representative Bafana Langa said a memorandum of understanding will be critical in any coalition arrangement. He said all parties joining a coalition should review the coalition treaty.

Tshwane has been run by coalitions since the 2016 local government elections. The DA led the first multi-party coalition after that vote. Four mayors took office in the city between 2021 and 2024.