Minister Hlabisa issues guidelines to promote stable coalition governance in municipalities
The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Mr Velenkosini Hlabisa, has issued the Guidelines for Stable Coalitions in Local Government to assist municipalities in managing coalition governance, strengthening institutional stability and ensuring that political transitions do not disrupt service delivery to communities.
The Guidelines come following the Local Government Elections held on 4 November 2026, which have confirmed that coalition governance is now a significant feature of South Africa's local government landscape.
Approximately 138 metropolitan and local municipalities, representing about 65% of councils, did not produce an outright majority for a single political party. These municipalities will therefore require coalition arrangements, minority governments or other forms of cooperative governance.
Minister Hlabisa said the increasing prevalence of coalition governance requires municipalities and provincial governments to be adequately equipped to manage these arrangements in a manner that promotes stability, accountability and effective service delivery.
"Coalition governance is a legitimate feature of our democratic system. However, our experience has shown that prolonged political instability, frequent changes in municipal leadership and delays in decision-making can weaken municipal institutions, disrupt administration and ultimately compromise service delivery. The people who suffer most from such instability are the residents who depend on municipalities for essential services. These Guidelines are intended to assist municipalities and political parties to navigate coalition arrangements responsibly, while keeping the interests of communities and the effective functioning of municipalities at the centre of governance," Minister Hlabisa said.
The Guidelines provide practical guidance on coalition governance, including mechanisms for political collaboration, the development of coalition agreements, applicable legislative requirements, dispute resolution and measures to safeguard administrative continuity.
Among other things, the Guidelines encourage coalition partners to conclude written agreements that clearly outline their shared policy priorities, the allocation of political responsibilities, decision-making processes, standards of conduct and mechanisms for resolving disputes.
They also provide a template coalition agreement that political parties can adapt to their respective municipal circumstances.
Importantly, the Guidelines emphasise the distinction between political governance and professional municipal administration. Coalition agreements must not interfere with decisions that legislation assigns to municipal councils, authorised office-bearers or the administration. Matters relating to administrative appointments, procurement and tender awards must remain with the lawful decision-makers.
The Guidelines further encourage municipalities to strengthen their institutional preparedness for coalition instability through clear council rules of order, terms of reference and systems of delegation. These measures are intended to ensure that municipal administrations can continue implementing approved policies, Integrated Development Plans (IDPs), budgets and service delivery programmes, even during periods of political uncertainty.
Minister Hlabisa has also drawn particular attention to the statutory timeframes governing the constitution of municipal councils following the elections. In terms of the current legislative framework, the first meeting of metropolitan and local municipal councils must be convened within 14 days after publication of the Government Gazette notice naming the elected councillors. Local municipalities must also appoint their representatives to district councils within the applicable statutory period, followed by the convening of the first district council meeting within 14 days.
Minister Hlabisa stressed that coalition negotiations do not suspend or extend these statutory requirements.
He has called on Members of Executive Councils (MECs) responsible for local government and provincial departments to distribute the Guidelines to all municipalities, support their application, monitor compliance with statutory requirements and provide early assistance where instability or delays threaten the effective functioning of municipalities.
The Department developed the Guidelines drawing on lessons from coalition governance across municipalities, previous research and work undertaken by leading local government scholars and institutions, as well as contributions from provincial governments, the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) and other stakeholders.
"Political parties have a responsibility to ensure that their governing arrangements are guided by cooperation, accountability and a shared commitment to serving communities. Differences among coalition partners must not become obstacles to the work of municipalities.
"Ultimately, the success of any governing arrangement must be measured by its ability to support effective municipal administration, strengthen governance and improve the delivery of services to residents," Minister Hlabisa said.
The Guidelines are available to municipalities, provincial governments, political parties and other stakeholders to support the establishment and management of stable coalition arrangements in local government.
Click here to download the full guidelines: https://www.cogta.gov.za/cgta_2016/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/Guidelines-for-Stable-Coalitions-November-2026.pdf
For media enquiries contact:
Ms Pearl Maseko-Binqose
Media Liaison Officer/Spokesperson to the Minister of CoGTA
082 772 1709
Mr Legadima Leso
Head of COGTA Communications
066 479 9904
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