Coalition in Joburg wobbles

MINORITIES: SIX OF 10 PARTIES THREATEN TO LEAVE

- Itumeleng Mafisa

The Joburg government of local unity (GLU) remains intact despite signs of trouble among smaller parties in the coalition, says the ANC's local branch.

The coalition between the ANC, EFF, Patriotic Alliance and minority parties has been divided since the parties fielded two candidates for the position of speaker, after the previous speaker was voted out in a motion of no confidence in June.

Now, six of the parties have threatened to leave, citing irreconcilable differences among themselves.

The parties are African Independent Congress, Pan Africanist Congress of Azania, African People's Convention, the United Independent Movement, the Good party and Congress of the People.

"We, the undersigned political parties, hereby give formal notice of our collective decision to withdraw from the current minority bloc arrangement in the City of Johannesburg," said the group.

"This decision, though regrettable, follows careful reflection on the prevailing political environment, the conduct of engagements within the bloc and the absence of alignment on strategic priorities.