Parties outline local government aspirations as post-election coalition negotiations kick off
The SACP says its participation in these local government elections has given it an opportunity to establish itself as a distinct political entity outside of the ANC alliance.
Anelitha Fandese
Parties cautiously optimistic as vote-counting continues in South Africa’s metros. Picture: Jared Moorgas/EWN
Jared Moorgas/EWN
As counting continues, political parties are beginning to reflect on their performance in the local government elections, with some already outlining the priorities they want to see shaping the next five years of governance.
The South African Communist Party (SACP) said it wants the interests of the working class to remain central to policymaking, while Al Jama-ah is calling for people and service delivery to take priority over political positions.
The SACP said its participation in these local government elections has allowed it to establish itself as a distinct political entity outside of the ANC alliance.
The party says it is humbled and grateful for the support it has received from voters.
"We’ve been a political party of power, and we believe that asserting our independent profile and that we’ll be able to represent the class that we represent, which is the working class," said the party's central committee member, Tinyiko Ntini.
Meanwhile, Al Jama-ah said people and service delivery must remain at the centre of all governance arrangements, following the local government elections.
The party says municipal administrations must prioritise the needs of residents and ensure that communities see tangible improvements in the services they receive.
"The very important thing is to take away the egos, the money and the titles and take off the political hats and learn that after elections, you are supposed to work for the residents of the relevant municipality that you are in."
Political parties are set to continue assessing their performances with considerations for the coalition arrangements that could shape the next five years of local government.