The rise of hung councils and coalition governance in SA

POLITICAL analysts and the SA Local Government Association (Salga) warn that the landscape following this year’s municipal elections is likely to be characterised by an increase in hung councils, raising concerns about governance and service delivery across the nation.

- SIPHO JACK

According to leadership experts, the political climate has been evolving, with indications that the era of one-party dominance is gradually diminishing.

Professor Zweli Ndevu from the Inclusive Society Institute emphasised that the prevalence of coalitions is becoming a defining feature of local governance.

“We've seen that happening at local government level, at provincial level, and at national government level,” he stated. “This trend suggests a diminishing trust in any single political party ruling over the populace.”