Azra Hoosen | ah@radioislam.co.za
2 October 2024 | 15:00 CAT
2 min read

Political analysts believe the ousting of Tshwane mayor Cilliers Brink by the ANC, EFF, and ActionSA could signal a trend across other Gauteng metros. With the ANC and ActionSA negotiating to form a new government in Tshwane, instability in local government remains a concern ahead of the 2026 elections.

Speaking to Radio Islam, political analyst Dr. Ntsikelelo Breakfast described the recent developments as surprising and an “interesting turn of events”. He emphasised that coalition governments at the local level have consistently been “unworkable” and “unstable.”

“As of late, ActionSA has had a change of heart, because they say the DA has let them down. We might see ActionSA even in other provinces joining forces with the ANC,” he said.

Dr. Breakfast attributed this instability to the tendency of political elites to form alliances without establishing effective conflict management mechanisms to address internal disagreements and contradictions.

“The ANC has taken people aback because I think the initial arrangement was that ActionSA will get the position of mayorship, and then the ANC will be accommodated in the mayoral committee, but they’ve already gotten the position of mayorship in the city of Johannesburg, so I think there is a stalemate there, I hope they strike a deal,” he explained.

He expressed concern over the implications these developments hold for voters.

“It means the slow pace of service delivery will continue; the municipality at the moment is leaderless,” he said.

Dr Breakfast believes it was an attempt to engage in a grand coalition between the ANC and the DA, but that plan seems to have failed, especially due to resistance from within the ANC. He said that the idea of a Government of National Unity (GNU) doesn’t seem to connect with the people on the ground, and the situation in Gauteng is different altogether compared to how the GNU is working in KZN.

Tshwane city manager Johann Mettler condemned the behaviour of some municipal employees who celebrated the ousting of former mayor Cilliers Brink with loud cheers and insults. While no immediate action will be taken, Mettler warned that any future incidents could result in consequences.

Analysts warn that political instability could impact service delivery across municipalities, with some predicting further coalition tensions. Meanwhile, the DA vows to fight for Brink’s reinstatement, with party leader John Steenhuisen calling for President Cyril Ramaphosa’s intervention.

ActionSA threatens to leave the coalition if the ANC fields its own mayoral candidate.

LISTEN to the full interview with Ml Junaid Kharsany and Dr. Ntsikelelo Breakfast, political analyst, here.