EFF leader Julius Malema and DA leader Mmusi Maimane were expected to announce the outcome of coalition talks on Wednesday.

The IFP, which had been seeking to increase its municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal, said it was likely to do so later on Tuesday.

“Talks are still ongoing. We are in the final stages. Most likely we will say something today because some councils sit tomorrow,” the party’s deputy national chairperson Albert Mncwango said.

Political parties had been involved in negotiations since none got a clear majority in 27 municipalities following the August 3 local government elections. Parties had 14 days to form coalitions or face election reruns.

Among the hung councils were the Tshwane, Ekurhuleni and Johannesburg metros in Gauteng, and the Nelson Mandela Bay metro in the Eastern Cape.

Several municipalities would hold their first council sittings this week, to elect their mayor and speaker.

News24