COGTA Publishes Guidelines to Stabilize Municipal Coalitions

Overview

• The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs published the Guidelines for Stable Coalitions this week to give municipalities and parties a step‑by‑step template for coalition agreements and dispute resolution.
• About 138 metropolitan and local councils, roughly 65% of municipalities, did not win outright majorities after the 4 November local elections and will need coalition arrangements or minority governments.
• The Guidelines make clear that coalition deals must not override professional municipal administration and that appointments, procurement and tender decisions must remain with the lawful decision‑makers in the administration.
• COGTA reminded councils that statutory timeframes remain in force and that the first council meetings and district appointments must be held within the 14‑day window after election results were gazetted, so negotiations cannot delay constitution of councils.
• Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa called on provincial MECs and departments to distribute the Guidelines, monitor compliance and intervene early where political instability threatens service delivery, with the document drawing on SALGA input and past coalition experience.