ANC structures to hold ‘exploratory’ talks with possible coalition partners
These will take place in provinces like the Eastern Cape, where the ANC will hold coalition discussions for the first time ever after losing grip of several municipalities in its traditional stronghold.
Babalo Ndenze
Picture: X/Mandla_Ndl
X/Mandla_Ndl
Provincial and regional structures of the African National Congress (ANC) have the go-ahead to hold localised “exploratory” talks with possible coalition partners in their respective councils.
These will take place in provinces like the Eastern Cape, where the ANC will hold coalition discussions for the first time ever after losing grip of several municipalities in its traditional stronghold.
ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula issued the instruction in a party circular addressed to national officials and provincial structures.
Mbalula said in support of the party’s national approach, provincial, regional and municipal structures may now hold localised talks with other political parties represented in their councils.
These talks have started as early as this week in provinces like the Eastern Cape, where the ANC will need partners in the Buffalo City Metro and other councils where the party lost its majority.
According to a party circular, provinces can convene “listening sessions” with parties, including community formations and alliance partners, “to understand their priorities, conditions and concerns”.
These early talks will have to assess the local numbers and the workability of possible arrangements, and then advise the centre, which is led by party president Cyril Ramaphosa and Mbalula.
The party’s national executive committee (NEC) is also expected to meet on Thursday, where the party’s centralised approach to coalitions will be discussed.