‘Coalitions bill’ to kick in with November municipal polls

South Africa’s Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa confirmed the Municipal Structures Amendment Bill, dubbed the 'coalitions bill,' will be enforceable by the November 4 municipal elections. The legislation requires political parties to enter formal, legally binding written agreements outlining commitments and responsibilities, aiming to curb unstable coalitions that have hindered service delivery. The bill, currently under review by the Cogta portfolio committee, will also limit no-confidence motions against mayors and speakers to one per 12-month period. Hlabisa emphasized the reforms as part of his legislative agenda to stabilize municipalities, alongside bills like the Independent Municipal Demarcation Authority Bill and the Draft Fire Services Bill. Since 2016, coalition instability has plagued South African municipalities, with Johannesburg alone seeing four mayors from different parties since 2021. Hlabisa argued the new rules would prevent political maneuvering and ensure accountability, though critics like Rise Mzansi’s Songezo Zibi pointed to systemic failures, such as Johannesburg’s R5.2 billion debt to Eskom, which risks power disruptions. During the budget vote debate, Zibi urged stricter standards for appointing municipal executives, calling for parliamentary intervention to address persistent governance issues. Hlabisa’s department also stressed improving leadership ethics and competency, citing audit improvements where disciplinary measures were applied. The reforms aim to make service delivery more reliable, but opposition leaders warn political interference in executive appointments remains a barrier. The November elections will test whether the new coalition rules can restore stability in South Africa’s fragmented local governments.