Based on the ongoing realignment of political power in our municipalities, predictions are that, come 2024, the face of our national and provincial governments will change, with coalitions playing an increasingly central role.
While the change has been widely welcomed, following ANC one-party dominance since 1994, the poor political management of the new coalitions has raised concerns about their instability, especially its impact on service delivery by local government. Recent developments in the City of Johannesburg, where both the mayor and speaker have been removed after less than a year in office, being one example.
Naturally, questions are being asked about the stability of future coalition governments at national and provincial levels if events at local government level are a harbinger of what is to come.
There are, however, plenty of lessons from elsewhere that show power-sharing accords can, in fact, be stable and result in effective government, provided politicians display the necessary maturity. On a recent visit to Denmark, a South African delegation was exposed to some of the factors behind that country’s successful coalitions. In one municipality, for example, the mayor had chosen to invite other parties into her government despite having a majority.
Alliances, she said, made it possible for a government to be more representative of a broad range of citizens’ viewpoints. Trust and good faith were also cited as essential ingredients.
Given indications that power-sharing is SA’s future, it would be prudent for both politicians and civil society to prepare for it by thinking of ways to make coalitions more stable and able to serve the electorate better.
Recent infighting among parties in several municipalities, including Johannesburg, Tshwane and Gqeberha, does not bode well for 2024. As citizens we wonder how long coalitions will last, and how quickly the country will change presidents.
A pessimistic scenario, with the attendant disruption of government, can only be avoided if our leaders show greater political maturity than they so far have. The question is, are they able to?
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.