Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane has not ruled out working with other political parties to govern municipalities where the ANC has failed to secure an outright majority in the 2026 Local Government Elections.
The party has fallen below the 50 percent mark in some of its traditional strongholds, including Buffalo City Metro, Nelson Mandela Bay and Makana Local Municipality.
With several hung councils emerging across the province, coalition negotiations could now shape the next phase of local government.
The ANC has lost its outright majority in Buffalo City Metro and Makana Local Municipality for the first time since 1995.
Several councils across the Eastern Cape are emerging as hung councils, putting coalition arrangements firmly on the agenda.
Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane said that coalition discussions have not yet started, but has not ruled out working with other parties.
“Coalitions are not yet discussed, and we will be able to attribute whatever fortune or misfortune when we have received the comprehensive report and do a proper analysis.”
The ANC remains the overall leading party in the Eastern Cape, but its failure to secure outright majorities in some key municipalities means it may have to look beyond its own ranks to form governing administrations.
Never miss a major story. Get breaking news and the latest developments from South Africa and beyond as they happen.
Ntuthuzelo Nene
www.ewn.co.za