\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\"IFP\"
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tIFP sets sights on wooing (and winning over) Gauteng voters in 2026 municipal elections\t\t\t\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t

Once seen as a regional party, the IFP is now courting Gauteng’s urban voters. Its 50th anniversary celebration in Soweto signalled a broader ambition: to grow beyond tradition and turn presence into political power ahead of the 2026 local elections.

\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tNonkululeko Njilo\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t19 October 2025\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\"UFC\"
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWhat the Good-Bosa-Rise Mzansi merger means for SA’s 2026 coalition politics arena\t\t\t\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t

Build One South Africa (Bosa), Good and Rise Mzansi have merged to form Unite for Change, ahead of the 2026 local elections. However, the parties’ current councillors, MPs, and MPLs will serve out their terms under their existing party banners.

\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tNonkululeko Njilo\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t5 October 2025\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\"Floyd
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFloyd Shivambu and our politics of churn\t\t\t\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t

The decision by former MK party secretary-general Floyd Shivambu to ‘consult’ before starting a new party is another indication of what could become a dominant trend in our politics. We are now likely to see more parties being formed more often, and, in many cases, failing. This churn is all about palace politics and may lead to more disengagement. 

\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tStephen Grootes\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t22 June 2025\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\"parties
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tCoalition governance: Will the GNU forge a new centrist political landscape?\t\t\t\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t

There is the potential that the ANC and DA partnership in the GNU may provide the impetus for a new centrist political consensus for South Africa, which spans ideology, race and class in the country’s politics, economics and society.

\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWilliam Gumede\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t18 June 2025\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\"\"
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWestern Cape municipalities’ debt to Eskom slowly improving, but Kannaland still a problem\t\t\t\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t

Five municipalities in the Western Cape owe Eskom money. They are either run by coalitions or face political instability. As municipalities are slowly working to improve their debt, one municipality is struggling and a financial recovery plan is on its way.

\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tSuné Payne\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t18 June 2025\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\"government
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThe GNU at one — serial crises and continual turmoil are the order of the day\t\t\t\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t

The first year of the Government of National Unity saw crises of power-sharing, policy fallouts, court challenges, declarations of mutual contempt between the ANC and DA, and the construction of a substitute coalition — followed by truces and a seeming compulsion to stay the course.

\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tSusan Booysen\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t16 June 2025\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\"Matzikama\"
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tNew coalition wrests governance of Matzikama from DA/FF+\t\t\t\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t

‘A long time coming’ is how Thursday’s council change in Matzikama was described. The new governing ANC/Good/EFF/PA coalition has promised to focus on service delivery.

\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tSuné Payne\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t29 May 2025\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\"western
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tKey ingredients for putting together successful coalition governments\t\t\t\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t

The 2021 municipal elections led to 16 hung councils in the Western Cape, all of which needed coalitions to govern. What does it take for a coalition to succeed? And what lessons can Western Cape municipalities bring to the national coalition discussion?

\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tSuné Payne\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t19 May 2025\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\"\"
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tNation-building or nation-breaking? The GNU needs an identity reset\t\t\t\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t

With the government of national unity likely saved through a VAT deal to scrap the tax increase announced at midnight, attention turns to how to make the GNU more effective and to decide on an identity. At issue is the character of the power-sharing arrangement — how much should the parties publicly differ or should they be in a showcase of national unity? Daily Maverick’s Ferial Haffajee asked the CEO of the Inclusive Society Institute, Daryl Swanepoel, what the difference is between a coalition government and a government of national unity? Swanepoel was in the Gauteng government in 1994 and was an exponent of South Africa’s first GNU in 1994.

\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tFerial Haffajee\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t23 April 2025\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\"Knysna
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tKnysna’s new mayor talks up infrastructure fixes, opposition says council’s ‘reshuffling deckchairs on Titanic’\t\t\t\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t

Knysna’s problems won’t be fixed overnight, says new mayor Thando Matika. The ‘Jewel of the Garden Route’ has been beset with governance and service delivery problems. Matika wants to focus on infrastructure – starting with fixing potholes and sewerage pipes.

\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tSuné Payne\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t18 March 2025\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\"Joburg\"
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tANC and ActionSA’s relationship in City of Johannesburg heads for the rocks\t\t\t\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t

ActionSA could lose key positions, including committee chairpersons and the speaker of the council, if the ANC-led multiparty government in Johannesburg decides to introduce a motion of no confidence. This comes after tensions escalated because of ActionSA’s failure to support the adjustment budget on Thursday.

\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tNonkululeko Njilo\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t13 March 2025\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\"swellendam
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tSwellendam has a DA and FF Plus problem — sudden resignation leaves no mayor, no speaker\t\t\t\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t

The Western Cape’s Swellendam council is now officially leaderless following Monday’s resignation of speaker Juan van Schalkwyk. Just last week, mayor Francois du Rand was removed in a motion of no confidence. This is the latest in a series of dramas involving the DA, ANC and FF Plus.

\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tSuné Payne\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t3 February 2025\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\"\"
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWith the GNU comes hope, a sense of fresh energy and new talent\t\t\t\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t

The greatest impact of the GNU so far has been the sense of optimism it has ignited in the people of South Africa. This is gold: economic growth, job creation and poverty alleviation cannot happen when a country is steeped in a culture of hopelessness.

\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWilliam Gumede\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t30 January 2025\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\"SACP
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tRed Alert — will the SACP disappear into insignificance without the ANC?\t\t\t\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t

The ANC’s alliance with the DA in the coalition government has alienated its communist Tripartite Alliance partner, which wants to contest the 2026 local government elections on its own.

\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tStephen Grootes\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t2 December 2024\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\"sacp\"
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tIncompatible — the SACP’s anti-GNU stance and its own ‘principles’\t\t\t\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t

On Monday evening, the ANC held a public event it said was to commemorate the 100 days since the formation of the national coalition government. While the real intent of the event was not entirely clear, it became a focal point for the SACP’s opposition to the coalition, and particularly to the decision to work with the DA. But the SACP’s acceptance of positions for its members in the coalition Cabinet shows how hollow its claims of principle really are.

\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tStephen Grootes\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t17 October 2024\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\"coalition
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tMbalula’s failed attempt to dehorn Lesufi proves ANC’s internal boiler of disagreement still runs hot\t\t\t\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t

Recent events concerning ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula, Gauteng ANC leader Panyaza Lesufi and the election of ActionSA’s Nasiphi Moya as the mayor of Tshwane reveal that ANC members and structures have still not properly discussed the decision to work with the DA in a national coalition. The lid cannot be kept on this forever.

\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tStephen Grootes\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t9 October 2024\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\"ANC
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tCoalitions sans Frontiers — ANC’s incoming tough decisions at municipal level may have far-reaching implications\t\t\t\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t

ANC leaders have been occupied with memorial services for Pravin Gordhan, but they still have major political decisions to make — ones that could determine the future of the national coalition. In Tshwane and Nelson Mandela Bay, the crucial question is whether the local ANC will work with the DA. ANC MPs have accepted working with the DA, but forcing ANC councillors to do the same may prove more difficult.

\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tStephen Grootes\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t19 September 2024\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\"Bela
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tRamaphosa and the Bela Bill — the power of political surprise, but at what cost?\t\t\t\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t

The announcement that President Cyril Ramaphosa will sign the Basic Education Laws Amendment Bill into law on Friday will provide the first big test of the national coalition government. In particular, it forces the DA to make a difficult decision about whether to stay in the coalition. It also poses a risk for the ANC.

\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tStephen Grootes\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t12 September 2024\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Subscribe to First Thing to receive the big stories of the day in your inbox, every morning.

\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

If you value the work our journalists do and want to support Daily Maverick, consider becoming a Maverick Insider.

\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSupport DM\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t","css":"@import url(\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/plugins/elementor/assets/css/frontend.min.css?ver=3.25.4.1\");\n@import url(\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/plugins/elementor/assets/lib/swiper/v8/css/swiper.min.css?ver=8.4.5\");\n@import url(\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/plugins/elementor/assets/css/conditionals/e-swiper.min.css?ver=3.25.4.1\");\n@import url(\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/plugins/elementor-pro/assets/css/conditionals/popup.min.css?ver=3.25.2\");\n@import url(\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/plugins/elementor/assets/lib/font-awesome/css/all.min.css?ver=3.25.4.1\");\n@import url(\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/plugins/elementor/assets/lib/font-awesome/css/v4-shims.min.css?ver=3.25.4.1\");\n@import url(\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/plugins/elementor/assets/css/widget-spacer.min.css?ver=3.25.4.1\");\n@import url(\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/plugins/elementor/assets/css/widget-heading.min.css?ver=3.25.4.1\");\n@import url(\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/plugins/elementor/assets/css/widget-divider.min.css?ver=3.25.4.1\");\n@import url(\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/plugins/elementor/assets/css/widget-text-editor.min.css?ver=3.25.4.1\");\n@import url(\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/plugins/elementor-pro/assets/css/widget-posts.min.css?ver=3.25.2\");\n@import url(\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/plugins/elementor-pro/assets/css/modules/motion-fx.min.css?ver=3.25.2\");\n\n.elementor-kit-622115{--e-global-color-primary:#6EC1E4;--e-global-color-secondary:#54595F;--e-global-color-text:#7A7A7A;--e-global-color-accent:#61CE70;--e-global-color-1820ed31:#4054B2;--e-global-color-2d8129e7:#23A455;--e-global-color-2ffd4f0b:#23A455;--e-global-color-86e95a0:#FFF;--e-global-color-4d33b546:#000;--e-global-color-4053cadd:#FFF;--e-global-typography-primary-font-family:\"Roboto\";--e-global-typography-primary-font-weight:600;--e-global-typography-secondary-font-family:\"Roboto Slab\";--e-global-typography-secondary-font-weight:400;--e-global-typography-text-font-family:\"Roboto\";--e-global-typography-text-font-weight:400;--e-global-typography-accent-font-family:\"Roboto\";--e-global-typography-accent-font-weight:500;}.elementor-kit-622115 e-page-transition{background-color:#FFBC7D;}.elementor-section.elementor-section-boxed > .elementor-container{max-width:1140px;}.e-con{--container-max-width:1140px;}{}articleheader{display:var(--page-title-display);}@media(max-width:1024px){.elementor-section.elementor-section-boxed > .elementor-container{max-width:1024px;}.e-con{--container-max-width:1024px;}}@media(max-width:767px){.elementor-section.elementor-section-boxed > .elementor-container{max-width:767px;}.e-con{--container-max-width:767px;}}\n.elementor-1645632 .elementor-element.elementor-element-25ee924:not(.elementor-motion-effects-element-type-background), .elementor-1645632 .elementor-element.elementor-element-25ee924 > .elementor-motion-effects-container > .elementor-motion-effects-layer{background-image:url(\"https://i0.wp.com/www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Grootes-analysis-coalitions-catchup.jpg?fit=2200%2C1100&quality=89&ssl=1\");background-position:center center;background-size:cover;}.elementor-1645632 .elementor-element.elementor-element-25ee924 > .elementor-background-overlay{opacity:0.5;transition:background 0.3s, border-radius 0.3s, opacity 0.3s;}.elementor-1645632 .elementor-element.elementor-element-25ee924{transition:background 0.3s, border 0.3s, border-radius 0.3s, box-shadow 0.3s;}.elementor-1645632 .elementor-element.elementor-element-605a467{--spacer-size:50px;}.elementor-1645632 .elementor-element.elementor-element-034b34f > .elementor-container{min-height:15vh;}.elementor-1645632 .elementor-element.elementor-element-034b34f{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.elementor-1645632 .elementor-element.elementor-element-4277e1f:not(.elementor-motion-effects-element-type-background) > .elementor-widget-wrap, .elementor-1645632 .elementor-element.elementor-element-4277e1f > .elementor-widget-wrap > .elementor-motion-effects-container > .elementor-motion-effects-layer{background-color:#FFFFFF;}.elementor-bc-flex-widget .elementor-1645632 .elementor-element.elementor-element-4277e1f.elementor-column .elementor-widget-wrap{align-items:center;}.elementor-1645632 .elementor-element.elementor-element-4277e1f.elementor-column.elementor-element[data-element_type=\"column\"] > .elementor-widget-wrap.elementor-element-populated{align-content:center;align-items:center;}.elementor-1645632 .elementor-element.elementor-element-4277e1f > .elementor-element-populated{transition:background 0.3s, border 0.3s, border-radius 0.3s, box-shadow 0.3s;margin:-200px 250px 0px 250px;--e-column-margin-right:250px;--e-column-margin-left:250px;}.elementor-1645632 .elementor-element.elementor-element-4277e1f > .elementor-element-populated > .elementor-background-overlay{transition:background 0.3s, border-radius 0.3s, opacity 0.3s;}.elementor-1645632 .elementor-element.elementor-element-909e63a > .elementor-widget-container{padding:25px 60px 040px 60px;}.elementor-1645632 .elementor-element.elementor-element-909e63a{text-align:center;}.elementor-1645632 .elementor-element.elementor-element-909e63a .elementor-heading-title{color:#444343;font-family:\"Cormorant Garamond\", Sans-serif;font-size:65px;font-weight:normal;-webkit-text-stroke-color:#000;stroke:#000;}.elementor-1645632 .elementor-element.elementor-element-5ce3411{--divider-border-style:solid;--divider-color:#787575;--divider-border-width:2px;}.elementor-1645632 .elementor-element.elementor-element-5ce3411 .elementor-divider-separator{width:28%;margin:0 auto;margin-center:0;}.elementor-1645632 .elementor-element.elementor-element-5ce3411 .elementor-divider{text-align:center;padding-block-start:11px;padding-block-end:11px;}.elementor-1645632 .elementor-element.elementor-element-eedb9fc > .elementor-container{min-height:15vh;}.elementor-1645632 .elementor-element.elementor-element-eedb9fc > .elementor-background-overlay{opacity:0.55;transition:background 0.3s, border-radius 0.3s, opacity 0.3s;}.elementor-1645632 .elementor-element.elementor-element-eedb9fc{transition:background 0.3s, border 0.3s, border-radius 0.3s, box-shadow 0.3s;margin-top:-20px;margin-bottom:-20px;z-index:1;}.elementor-bc-flex-widget .elementor-1645632 .elementor-element.elementor-element-1e60a0b.elementor-column .elementor-widget-wrap{align-items:flex-end;}.elementor-1645632 .elementor-element.elementor-element-1e60a0b.elementor-column.elementor-element[data-element_type=\"column\"] > .elementor-widget-wrap.elementor-element-populated{align-content:flex-end;align-items:flex-end;}.elementor-1645632 .elementor-element.elementor-element-1e60a0b > .elementor-element-populated{transition:background 0.3s, border 0.3s, border-radius 0.3s, box-shadow 0.3s;margin:0px 0px 0px 0px;--e-column-margin-right:0px;--e-column-margin-left:0px;padding:0px 40px 0px 40px;}.elementor-1645632 .elementor-element.elementor-element-1e60a0b > .elementor-element-populated > .elementor-background-overlay{transition:background 0.3s, border-radius 0.3s, opacity 0.3s;}.elementor-1645632 .elementor-element.elementor-element-bfdb841{font-size:18px;}.elementor-1645632 .elementor-element.elementor-element-7f75439{column-gap:0px;font-size:18px;}.elementor-1645632 .elementor-element.elementor-element-d64cac8{transition:background 0.3s, border 0.3s, border-radius 0.3s, box-shadow 0.3s;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.elementor-1645632 .elementor-element.elementor-element-d64cac8 > .elementor-background-overlay{transition:background 0.3s, border-radius 0.3s, opacity 0.3s;}.elementor-1645632 .elementor-element.elementor-element-9f8a55b:not(.elementor-motion-effects-element-type-background) > .elementor-widget-wrap, .elementor-1645632 .elementor-element.elementor-element-9f8a55b > .elementor-widget-wrap > .elementor-motion-effects-container > .elementor-motion-effects-layer{background-color:#F3F0F0;}.elementor-1645632 .elementor-element.elementor-element-9f8a55b > .elementor-element-populated{transition:background 0.3s, border 0.3s, border-radius 0.3s, box-shadow 0.3s;margin:20px 20px 20px 20px;--e-column-margin-right:20px;--e-column-margin-left:20px;padding:20px 20px 20px 20px;}.elementor-1645632 .elementor-element.elementor-element-9f8a55b > .elementor-element-populated > .elementor-background-overlay{transition:background 0.3s, border-radius 0.3s, opacity 0.3s;}.elementor-1645632 .elementor-element.elementor-element-377035c{--grid-row-gap:35px;--grid-column-gap:30px;}.elementor-1645632 .elementor-element.elementor-element-377035c .elementor-posts-container .elementor-post__thumbnail{padding-bottom:calc( 0.66 * 100% );}.elementor-1645632 .elementor-element.elementor-element-377035c:after{content:\"0.66\";}.elementor-1645632 .elementor-element.elementor-element-377035c .elementor-post__thumbnail__link{width:100%;}.elementor-1645632 .elementor-element.elementor-element-377035c .elementor-post__meta-data span + span:before{content:\"•\";}.elementor-1645632 .elementor-element.elementor-element-377035c .elementor-post__card{border-width:0px;padding-top:0px;padding-bottom:0px;}.elementor-1645632 .elementor-element.elementor-element-377035c .elementor-post__text{padding:0 20px;margin-top:20px;}.elementor-1645632 .elementor-element.elementor-element-377035c .elementor-post__meta-data{padding:10px 20px;font-family:\"Roboto\", Sans-serif;font-weight:bold;}.elementor-1645632 .elementor-element.elementor-element-377035c .elementor-post__avatar{padding-right:20px;padding-left:20px;}.elementor-1645632 .elementor-element.elementor-element-377035c .elementor-post__title, .elementor-1645632 .elementor-element.elementor-element-377035c .elementor-post__title a{color:#000000;}.elementor-1645632 .elementor-element.elementor-element-377035c .elementor-post__excerpt p{color:#5F5D5D;font-size:16px;}.elementor-1645632 .elementor-element.elementor-element-8d629f8 > .elementor-container{min-height:51vh;}.elementor-1645632 .elementor-element.elementor-element-004eead{text-align:center;color:#050404E6;font-family:\"Roboto\", Sans-serif;font-size:18px;font-weight:500;}.elementor-1645632 .elementor-element.elementor-element-33feb7a{font-family:\"Roboto\", Sans-serif;font-size:14px;}.elementor-1645632 .elementor-element.elementor-element-653596a .elementor-button{background-color:#E41E1E;font-family:\"Roboto\", Sans-serif;font-weight:400;}@media(min-width:768px){.elementor-1645632 .elementor-element.elementor-element-ae87f82{width:27.278%;}.elementor-1645632 .elementor-element.elementor-element-1e60a0b{width:46.83%;}.elementor-1645632 .elementor-element.elementor-element-1675336{width:25.12%;}}@media(max-width:767px){.elementor-1645632 .elementor-element.elementor-element-25ee924:not(.elementor-motion-effects-element-type-background), .elementor-1645632 .elementor-element.elementor-element-25ee924 > .elementor-motion-effects-container > .elementor-motion-effects-layer{background-image:url(\"https://i0.wp.com/www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Grootes-analysis-coalitions-catchup.jpg?fit=2200%2C1100&quality=89&ssl=1\");background-position:bottom center;}.elementor-1645632 .elementor-element.elementor-element-605a467{--spacer-size:29vh;}.elementor-1645632 .elementor-element.elementor-element-034b34f > .elementor-container{min-height:20vh;}.elementor-1645632 .elementor-element.elementor-element-4277e1f > .elementor-element-populated{margin:-100px 15px -100px 015px;--e-column-margin-right:15px;--e-column-margin-left:015px;padding:0px 0px 0px 0px;}.elementor-1645632 .elementor-element.elementor-element-909e63a > .elementor-widget-container{margin:0px 0px 0px 0px;padding:25px 25px 25px 25px;}.elementor-1645632 .elementor-element.elementor-element-909e63a .elementor-heading-title{font-size:31px;}.elementor-1645632 .elementor-element.elementor-element-1e60a0b > .elementor-element-populated{margin:0px 0px 0px 0px;--e-column-margin-right:0px;--e-column-margin-left:0px;padding:0px 25px 25px 25px;}.elementor-1645632 .elementor-element.elementor-element-c987514{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.elementor-1645632 .elementor-element.elementor-element-7da1cdb > .elementor-element-populated{margin:15px 15px 15px 15px;--e-column-margin-right:15px;--e-column-margin-left:15px;}.elementor-1645632 .elementor-element.elementor-element-7f75439 > .elementor-widget-container{margin:0px 0px 0px 0px;}.elementor-1645632 .elementor-element.elementor-element-9f8a55b > .elementor-element-populated{margin:15px 15px 15px 15px;--e-column-margin-right:15px;--e-column-margin-left:15px;padding:10px 10px 10px 10px;}.elementor-1645632 .elementor-element.elementor-element-377035c .elementor-posts-container .elementor-post__thumbnail{padding-bottom:calc( 0.6 * 100% );}.elementor-1645632 .elementor-element.elementor-element-377035c:after{content:\"0.6\";}.elementor-1645632 .elementor-element.elementor-element-377035c .elementor-post__thumbnail__link{width:100%;}.elementor-1645632 .elementor-element.elementor-element-377035c.elementor-posts--thumbnail-left .elementor-post__thumbnail__link{margin-right:10px;}.elementor-1645632 .elementor-element.elementor-element-377035c.elementor-posts--thumbnail-right .elementor-post__thumbnail__link{margin-left:10px;}.elementor-1645632 .elementor-element.elementor-element-377035c.elementor-posts--thumbnail-top .elementor-post__thumbnail__link{margin-bottom:10px;}.elementor-1645632 .elementor-element.elementor-element-377035c .elementor-post__title{margin-bottom:20px;}.elementor-1645632 .elementor-element.elementor-element-e27d6a2 > .elementor-element-populated{margin:25px 25px 25px 25px;--e-column-margin-right:25px;--e-column-margin-left:25px;}}/* Start custom CSS for section, class: .elementor-element-25ee924 */.cool-color {\n filter: grayscale(20%) sepia(10%) hue-rotate(-200deg) saturate(40%);\n}/* End custom CSS */","js":"var ElementorProFrontendConfig = {\"ajaxurl\":\"https:\\/\\/www.dailymaverick.co.za\\/wp-admin\\/admin-ajax.php\",\"nonce\":\"2db6b95d35\",\"urls\":{\"assets\":\"https:\\/\\/www.dailymaverick.co.za\\/wp-content\\/plugins\\/elementor-pro\\/assets\\/\",\"rest\":\"https:\\/\\/www.dailymaverick.co.za\\/wp-json\\/\"},\"settings\":{\"lazy_load_background_images\":true},\"popup\":{\"hasPopUps\":false},\"shareButtonsNetworks\":{\"facebook\":{\"title\":\"Facebook\",\"has_counter\":true},\"twitter\":{\"title\":\"Twitter\"},\"linkedin\":{\"title\":\"LinkedIn\",\"has_counter\":true},\"pinterest\":{\"title\":\"Pinterest\",\"has_counter\":true},\"reddit\":{\"title\":\"Reddit\",\"has_counter\":true},\"vk\":{\"title\":\"VK\",\"has_counter\":true},\"odnoklassniki\":{\"title\":\"OK\",\"has_counter\":true},\"tumblr\":{\"title\":\"Tumblr\"},\"digg\":{\"title\":\"Digg\"},\"skype\":{\"title\":\"Skype\"},\"stumbleupon\":{\"title\":\"StumbleUpon\",\"has_counter\":true},\"mix\":{\"title\":\"Mix\"},\"telegram\":{\"title\":\"Telegram\"},\"pocket\":{\"title\":\"Pocket\",\"has_counter\":true},\"xing\":{\"title\":\"XING\",\"has_counter\":true},\"whatsapp\":{\"title\":\"WhatsApp\"},\"email\":{\"title\":\"Email\"},\"print\":{\"title\":\"Print\"},\"x-twitter\":{\"title\":\"X\"},\"threads\":{\"title\":\"Threads\"}},\n\"woocommerce\":{\"menu_cart\":{\"cart_page_url\":\"https:\\/\\/www.dailymaverick.co.za\\/cart\\/\",\"checkout_page_url\":\"https:\\/\\/www.dailymaverick.co.za\\/checkout\\/\",\"fragments_nonce\":\"f806f00d0e\"}},\n\"facebook_sdk\":{\"lang\":\"en_US\",\"app_id\":\"\"},\"lottie\":{\"defaultAnimationUrl\":\"https:\\/\\/www.dailymaverick.co.za\\/wp-content\\/plugins\\/elementor-pro\\/modules\\/lottie\\/assets\\/animations\\/default.json\"}};\n/* ]]> */\n\nvar elementorFrontendConfig = {\"environmentMode\":{\"edit\":false,\"wpPreview\":false,\"isScriptDebug\":false},\"i18n\":{\"shareOnFacebook\":\"Share on Facebook\",\"shareOnTwitter\":\"Share on Twitter\",\"pinIt\":\"Pin it\",\"download\":\"Download\",\"downloadImage\":\"Download image\",\"fullscreen\":\"Fullscreen\",\"zoom\":\"Zoom\",\"share\":\"Share\",\"playVideo\":\"Play Video\",\"previous\":\"Previous\",\"next\":\"Next\",\"close\":\"Close\",\"a11yCarouselWrapperAriaLabel\":\"Carousel | Horizontal scrolling: Arrow Left & Right\",\"a11yCarouselPrevSlideMessage\":\"Previous slide\",\"a11yCarouselNextSlideMessage\":\"Next slide\",\"a11yCarouselFirstSlideMessage\":\"This is the first slide\",\"a11yCarouselLastSlideMessage\":\"This is the last slide\",\"a11yCarouselPaginationBulletMessage\":\"Go to slide\"},\"is_rtl\":false,\"breakpoints\":{\"xs\":0,\"sm\":480,\"md\":768,\"lg\":1025,\"xl\":1440,\"xxl\":1600},\"responsive\":{\"breakpoints\":{\"mobile\":{\"label\":\"Mobile Portrait\",\"value\":767,\"default_value\":767,\"direction\":\"max\",\"is_enabled\":true},\"mobile_extra\":{\"label\":\"Mobile Landscape\",\"value\":880,\"default_value\":880,\"direction\":\"max\",\"is_enabled\":false},\"tablet\":{\"label\":\"Tablet Portrait\",\"value\":1024,\"default_value\":1024,\"direction\":\"max\",\"is_enabled\":true},\"tablet_extra\":{\"label\":\"Tablet Landscape\",\"value\":1200,\"default_value\":1200,\"direction\":\"max\",\"is_enabled\":false},\"laptop\":{\"label\":\"Laptop\",\"value\":1366,\"default_value\":1366,\"direction\":\"max\",\"is_enabled\":false},\"widescreen\":{\"label\":\"Widescreen\",\"value\":2400,\"default_value\":2400,\"direction\":\"min\",\"is_enabled\":false}},\n\"hasCustomBreakpoints\":false},\"version\":\"3.25.4.1\",\"is_static\":false,\"experimentalFeatures\":{\"e_font_icon_svg\":true,\"additional_custom_breakpoints\":true,\"container\":true,\"e_swiper_latest\":true,\"e_nested_atomic_repeaters\":true,\"e_optimized_control_loading\":true,\"e_onboarding\":true,\"e_css_smooth_scroll\":true,\"theme_builder_v2\":true,\"home_screen\":true,\"landing-pages\":true,\"nested-elements\":true,\"editor_v2\":true,\"link-in-bio\":true,\"floating-buttons\":true},\"urls\":{\"assets\":\"https:\\/\\/www.dailymaverick.co.za\\/wp-content\\/plugins\\/elementor\\/assets\\/\",\"ajaxurl\":\"https:\\/\\/www.dailymaverick.co.za\\/wp-admin\\/admin-ajax.php\",\"uploadUrl\":\"https:\\/\\/www.dailymaverick.co.za\\/wp-content\\/uploads\"},\"nonces\":{\"floatingButtonsClickTracking\":\"2bf12ba902\"},\"swiperClass\":\"swiper\",\"settings\":{\"page\":[],\"editorPreferences\":[]},\"kit\":{\"active_breakpoints\":[\"viewport_mobile\",\"viewport_tablet\"],\"global_image_lightbox\":\"yes\",\"lightbox_enable_counter\":\"yes\",\"lightbox_enable_fullscreen\":\"yes\",\"lightbox_enable_zoom\":\"yes\",\"lightbox_enable_share\":\"yes\",\"lightbox_title_src\":\"title\",\"lightbox_description_src\":\"description\",\"woocommerce_notices_elements\":[]},\"post\":{\"id\":1645632,\"title\":\"Coalition%20government%20-%20Daily%20Maverick\",\"excerpt\":\"\",\"featuredImage\":\"https:\\/\\/i0.wp.com\\/www.dailymaverick.co.za\\/wp-content\\/uploads\\/2021\\/11\\/Grootes-CrunchTime-coalitions.jpg?fit=720%2C360&quality=89&ssl=1\"}};\n/* ]]> */\nfunction loadScriptsSequentially(sources) {\nlet index = 0;\n\nfunction loadNext() {\n if (index >= sources.length) return; // done\n\n const src = sources[index++];\n const script = document.createElement('script');\n script.src = src;\n script.async = false; // hint: load in order\n script.defer = false;\n\n script.onload = loadNext;\n script.onerror = () => {\n console.error(\"Failed to load script:\", src);\n loadNext(); // skip to next anyway\n };\n\n document.head.appendChild(script);\n}\n\nloadNext();\n}\nloadScriptsSequentially([\"https:\\/\\/www.dailymaverick.co.za\\/wp-includes\\/js\\/jquery\\/jquery.min.js?ver=3.7.1\",\"https:\\/\\/www.dailymaverick.co.za\\/wp-includes\\/js\\/jquery\\/jquery-migrate.min.js?ver=3.4.1\",\"https:\\/\\/www.dailymaverick.co.za\\/wp-content\\/plugins\\/woocommerce\\/assets\\/js\\/jquery-blockui\\/jquery.blockUI.min.js?ver=2.7.0-wc.9.6.0\",\"https:\\/\\/www.dailymaverick.co.za\\/wp-content\\/plugins\\/elementor\\/assets\\/lib\\/font-awesome\\/js\\/v4-shims.min.js?ver=3.25.4.1\",\"https:\\/\\/www.dailymaverick.co.za\\/wp-content\\/plugins\\/elementor-pro\\/assets\\/js\\/webpack-pro.runtime.min.js?ver=3.25.2\",\"https:\\/\\/www.dailymaverick.co.za\\/wp-content\\/plugins\\/elementor\\/assets\\/js\\/webpack.runtime.min.js?ver=3.25.4.1\",\"https:\\/\\/www.dailymaverick.co.za\\/wp-content\\/plugins\\/elementor\\/assets\\/js\\/frontend-modules.min.js?ver=3.25.4.1\",\"https:\\/\\/www.dailymaverick.co.za\\/wp-content\\/plugins\\/elementor-pro\\/assets\\/js\\/frontend.min.js?ver=3.25.2\",\"https:\\/\\/www.dailymaverick.co.za\\/wp-includes\\/js\\/jquery\\/ui\\/core.min.js?ver=1.13.3\",\"https:\\/\\/www.dailymaverick.co.za\\/wp-content\\/plugins\\/elementor\\/assets\\/js\\/frontend.min.js?ver=3.25.4.1\",\"https:\\/\\/www.dailymaverick.co.za\\/wp-content\\/plugins\\/elementor-pro\\/assets\\/js\\/elements-handlers.min.js?ver=3.25.2\"]);"},"_show_ads":null,"_ad_type":null,"attachments":[{"id":"3066256","name":"Grootes-CrunchTime-coalitions","description":"Illustrative image | Sources: ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba. (Photo: Gallo Images / Luba Lesolle) | DA’s Federal Council chair Helen Zille. (Photo: Gallo Images / Beeld / Deaan Vivier) | DA leader John Steenhuisen. (Photo: Gallo Images / Die Burger / Lulama Zenzile) | UDM’s Mongameli Bobani. (Photo: Gallo Images / KaapSon / Theo Jeptha) | UDM leader Bantu Holomisa. (Photo: Gallo Images / Darren Stewart) | Patriotic Alliance president Gayton McKenzie. (Photo: Gallo Images / Netwerk24 / Lulama Zenzile) | Convicted rapist Jeffrey Donson. (Photo: Facebook)","focal":"50% 50%","width":0,"height":0,"url":"https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Grootes-CrunchTime-coalitions.jpg","transforms":[{"x":"200","y":"100","url":"https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/sX3rDRan0l08mtKLfrpoOGJs7co=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Grootes-CrunchTime-coalitions.jpg"},{"x":"450","y":"0","url":"https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/-_UWu2S2TdKOTA5MoMYVCsvoyFQ=/450x0/smart/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Grootes-CrunchTime-coalitions.jpg"},{"x":"800","y":"0","url":"https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/mzeQGnOa3GBnHIkmT51WNQX43aU=/800x0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Grootes-CrunchTime-coalitions.jpg"},{"x":"1200","y":"0","url":"https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/rzPtVu7-ciLoZWVjc1z7EijcihY=/1200x0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Grootes-CrunchTime-coalitions.jpg"},{"x":"1600","y":"0","url":"https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/PByYsjOa09ErObF8DaAvD7z5u5M=/1600x0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Grootes-CrunchTime-coalitions.jpg"},{"x":"200","y":"0","url":"https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/-78778Uj_r2Q7ZA6zBvktt6BELg=/200x0/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Grootes-CrunchTime-coalitions.jpg"},{"x":"400","y":"0","url":"https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/KKhPCE0Gh8soRaG2Yyx2zBg3QU0=/400x0/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Grootes-CrunchTime-coalitions.jpg"}],"url_thumbnail":"https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/sX3rDRan0l08mtKLfrpoOGJs7co=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Grootes-CrunchTime-coalitions.jpg","url_medium":"https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/-_UWu2S2TdKOTA5MoMYVCsvoyFQ=/450x0/smart/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Grootes-CrunchTime-coalitions.jpg","url_large":"https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/mzeQGnOa3GBnHIkmT51WNQX43aU=/800x0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Grootes-CrunchTime-coalitions.jpg","url_xl":"https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/rzPtVu7-ciLoZWVjc1z7EijcihY=/1200x0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Grootes-CrunchTime-coalitions.jpg","url_xxl":"https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/PByYsjOa09ErObF8DaAvD7z5u5M=/1600x0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Grootes-CrunchTime-coalitions.jpg","url_homepage_xs":"https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/-78778Uj_r2Q7ZA6zBvktt6BELg=/200x0/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Grootes-CrunchTime-coalitions.jpg","url_homepage_sm":"https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/KKhPCE0Gh8soRaG2Yyx2zBg3QU0=/400x0/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Grootes-CrunchTime-coalitions.jpg","type":"image"}],"elements":[],"seo":{"search_title":"Coalition government","search_description":"With political parties gearing up for the 2024 national elections, are local coalition governments signs of what's to come?","social_title":"Coalition government","social_description":"With political parties gearing up for the 2024 national elections, are local coalition governments signs of what's to come?","social_image":""},"time_to_read":394,"cached":true}}
Daily Maverick

Coalition Country

With political parties gearing up for national and provincial elections in 2024, is the state of local coalition governments a sign of what’s to come?

With political parties gearing up for national and provincial elections in 2024, is the state of local coalition governments a sign of what’s to come?

Floyd Shivambu, Julius Malema and Jacob Zuma

Floyd Shivambu and our politics of churn

The decision by former MK party secretary-general Floyd Shivambu to ‘consult’ before starting a new party is another indication of what could become a dominant trend in our politics. We are now likely to see more parties being formed more often, and, in many cases, failing. This churn is all about palace politics and may lead to more disengagement. 

Stephen Grootes 22 June 2025

Nation-building or nation-breaking? The GNU needs an identity reset

With the government of national unity likely saved through a VAT deal to scrap the tax increase announced at midnight, attention turns to how to make the GNU more effective and to decide on an identity. At issue is the character of the power-sharing arrangement — how much should the parties publicly differ or should they be in a showcase of national unity? Daily Maverick’s Ferial Haffajee asked the CEO of the Inclusive Society Institute, Daryl Swanepoel, what the difference is between a coalition government and a government of national unity? Swanepoel was in the Gauteng government in 1994 and was an exponent of South Africa’s first GNU in 1994.

Ferial Haffajee 23 April 2025
Joburg

ANC and ActionSA’s relationship in City of Johannesburg heads for the rocks

ActionSA could lose key positions, including committee chairpersons and the speaker of the council, if the ANC-led multiparty government in Johannesburg decides to introduce a motion of no confidence. This comes after tensions escalated because of ActionSA’s failure to support the adjustment budget on Thursday.

Nonkululeko Njilo 13 March 2025

With the GNU comes hope, a sense of fresh energy and new talent

The greatest impact of the GNU so far has been the sense of optimism it has ignited in the people of South Africa. This is gold: economic growth, job creation and poverty alleviation cannot happen when a country is steeped in a culture of hopelessness.

William Gumede 30 January 2025
sacp

Incompatible — the SACP’s anti-GNU stance and its own ‘principles’

On Monday evening, the ANC held a public event it said was to commemorate the 100 days since the formation of the national coalition government. While the real intent of the event was not entirely clear, it became a focal point for the SACP’s opposition to the coalition, and particularly to the decision to work with the DA. But the SACP’s acceptance of positions for its members in the coalition Cabinet shows how hollow its claims of principle really are.

Stephen Grootes 17 October 2024
ANC coalitions

Coalitions sans Frontiers — ANC’s incoming tough decisions at municipal level may have far-reaching implications

ANC leaders have been occupied with memorial services for Pravin Gordhan, but they still have major political decisions to make — ones that could determine the future of the national coalition. In Tshwane and Nelson Mandela Bay, the crucial question is whether the local ANC will work with the DA. ANC MPs have accepted working with the DA, but forcing ANC councillors to do the same may prove more difficult.

Stephen Grootes 19 September 2024
Bela Bill

Ramaphosa and the Bela Bill — the power of political surprise, but at what cost?

The announcement that President Cyril Ramaphosa will sign the Basic Education Laws Amendment Bill into law on Friday will provide the first big test of the national coalition government. In particular, it forces the DA to make a difficult decision about whether to stay in the coalition. It also poses a risk for the ANC.

Stephen Grootes 12 September 2024

Subscribe to First Thing to receive the big stories of the day in your inbox, every morning.

If you value the work our journalists do and want to support Daily Maverick, consider becoming a Maverick Insider.

Support DM