PA throws support behind ActionSA in Western Cape municipality

The Patriotic Alliance (PA) has confirmed that it will support ActionSA’s mayoral candidate in Laingsburg Local Municipality in the Western Cape following coalition talks between the two parties.

The agreement comes as political parties negotiate coalition arrangements in hung councils following the 2026 local government elections held on 4 November.

PA AND ACTIONSA TO WORK TOGETHER IN LAINGSBURG

The PA and ActionSA met on 11 November to discuss possible coalition arrangements in municipalities where both parties secured council seats, with Laingsburg being the first agreement to emerge from the discussions.

The Gayton McKenzie-led PA said residents of Laingsburg had sent a clear message in the elections, with ActionSA receiving the highest number of votes on the ward ballot and winning two of the municipality’s five wards.

“No party won a majority. We know from experience that we can trust the word of Herman Mashaba, so we will support him in Laingsburg. We believe this is best for our country and we are putting the country first,” the party said.

Laingsburg has a 10-seat municipal council, with ActionSA and the Democratic Alliance (DA) each securing three seats. The African National Congress (ANC) won two seats, while the PA and the People’s Movement for Change (PMC) each secured one seat.

An outright majority requires six seats, meaning further support from other parties will be necessary for ActionSA to secure control of the municipality.

MORE COALITION TALKS

The PA said it would continue engaging ActionSA on possible agreements in other municipalities where both parties are represented.

“We will announce these as they are concluded,” the party added.

The coalition negotiations come as newly elected municipal councils prepare for their first meetings, where councillors will elect mayors, speakers and deputy mayors, where applicable.

Under the Local Government: Municipal Structures Act, the first council meeting must be convened within 14 days after the election results have been declared.