DA won Gauteng’s three metros – but will it govern them?

Despite securing the largest share of votes in Gauteng’s three metropolitan municipalities, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has no guarantee of governing any of them.

The DA is expected to meet ActionSA on Thursday, while the African National Congress (ANC) will convene a special National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting to determine its approach to coalition negotiations.

The outcome of these discussions could determine who governs Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni following last week’s local government elections.

DA leads all three Gauteng metros

The DA emerged as the largest party in all three metros but fell short of an outright majority in each.

According to the final election results, the party secured:

• Johannesburg: 34.79%
• Tshwane: 34.37%
• Ekurhuleni: 30.68%

ActionSA finished second in Tshwane and third in Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni, positioning the party to influence the formation of municipal governments.

ActionSA’s coalition options

ActionSA has already held discussions with several parties, including the ANC, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party.

While ActionSA remains open to working with the DA, it has ruled out supporting Helen Zille as Johannesburg mayor.

ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba has reportedly proposed withdrawing from the mayoral race if Zille does the same, allowing the DA to nominate another candidate.

However, the DA has maintained its support for Zille.

The party’s Federal Executive has mandated its leadership to negotiate with parties that share its commitment to accountable government, service delivery and fighting corruption.

ANC to decide coalition strategy

Meanwhile, the ANC’s NEC will meet at the Birchwood Hotel in Ekurhuleni at 10:00 on Thursday.

The party confirmed that its leadership would consider and adopt a negotiating mandate and receive reports on initial engagements with other political parties.

The ANC could pursue an agreement with the DA or seek support from ActionSA and other parties.

With no coalition agreements announced in Gauteng’s three metros, the composition of their next administrations remains uncertain.