Overview
- ActionSA national chair Michael Beaumont has opened talks with both the ANC and the DA, and party representatives met the ANC on Sunday, 8 November to explore coalition options.
- ActionSA has drawn firm demands: it wants Nasiphi Moya retained as Tshwane mayor and has said it will block Helen Zille from becoming Johannesburg mayor if the DA insists on her.
- ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba told reporters that the chance of a coalition with the DA is “very, very slim,” increasing the likelihood of an ActionSA–ANC alignment in the metros.
- Beaumont has pushed for written, broad coalition agreements to avoid fragile narrow majorities, noting that Section 29(2) requires inaugural councils to meet within 14 calendar days and so negotiations are largely about positions not long programs.
- Analysts and outlets warn a tilt toward the ANC could anger ActionSA voters and produce unstable councils, while coverage differs on the best path—Daily Maverick emphasizes governance rules and stability, and The Citizen highlights mayoral prize‑claims and local rivalries.