ActionSA’s Senate Resolves to Review Approach to Coalitions
6 October 2022
ActionSA concluded a Senate meeting yesterday which was dedicated exclusively to discuss the future of coalitions. The meeting was convened in the wake of the collapse of the multi-party government in Johannesburg and growing concerns for the stability of the coalitions in Gauteng.
Of particular concern was the need for coalitions to operate from a stable foundation that enable service delivery and sufficient continuity to reverse decades of failed government. In short, coalitions that are constantly on the brink of collapse cannot effectively deliver services.
The precarious nature of the minority coalition in Ekurhuleni formed part of the discussion. Earlier this year ActionSA motivated the case for the multi-party coalition to engage other political parties in Ekurhuleni to secure the support required to approve budgets and survive motions of no confidence. This proposal was not accepted and therefore it will be critical for the coalition to provide leadership on how the Ekurhuleni multi-party coalition can sustain in the face of imminent motions of no confidence.
The multi-party coalition in the City of Tshwane, while more secure in the composition of the council, remains a concern arising from the process of investigating the conduct of Mayor Randall Williams as it pertains to the handling of the controversial unsolicited bid proposal. The handling of this matter would be essential for the stability of the coalition in Tshwane.