The pending decision of a coalition in the 2024 General Elections in South Africa can be daunting to say the least, highlighting the disparities between the two major political parties, namely, the African National Congress (ANC) and the Democratic Alliance (DA). However, with a strong contrast among manifestos, beliefs, and rooted policies, such a coalition might not prove to be imminent. Smaller but equally strong participants include the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), Action SA, and Freedom Front (FF+), among others, which reveal that local parties forming a coalition, could mean coming together and agreeing to work collaboratively towards a common goal or to govern collectively.

Understanding a coalition

In a political context, a coalition is typically formed when no single party has enough seats to form a majority government on its own. By forming a coalition, local parties can pool their resources, combine their political influence, and increase their chances of achieving their shared objectives. In a coalition, the participating parties may negotiate and agree upon a common policy agenda, allocate ministerial positions or other roles within the government, and work together to pass legislation or implement policies. The coalition partners may have different ideologies or priorities, but they find common ground and compromise to achieve their collective goals. Coalitions can bring together diverse perspectives, promote inclusivity, and foster cooperation among parties with different interests. However, they can also face challenges such as maintaining unity, managing conflicting viewpoints, and making compromises to accommodate the various coalition partners. The success of a coalition depends on effective communication, trust, and the ability to find consensus among the participating parties.

Coalitions in South Africa

Coalitions can be effective in promoting cooperation and inclusivity, allowing for a broader range of perspectives to be represented in government. However, they can also face challenges such as differing ideologies, conflicting interests, and the need for compromise. Ultimately, the feasibility and effectiveness of a coalition in South Africa would require careful negotiation and consensus-building among the participating parties. According to Desai and Acton (2023), the South African Auditor General (A-G) identified coalition instability as a concerning impact on financial governance, stating: “The instability in councils has also been a major feature in terms of the lack of capacity and lack of discipline to drive reliable reporting on financial management”. Moreover, the success of a coalition in South Africa would depend on various factors, including the political landscape, the willingness of different parties to collaborate, and the ability to find common ground on key issues. According to the national website of the South African Government (n.d.), a coalition might be necessary in South Africa. Elections always result in multiple parties being represented in Parliament, a provincial legislature, or a municipal council. The executive leadership (President, Premiers, and Mayors) are always elected by that legislature and can be removed by the legislature. If none of the parties have more than 50% of the seats, a coalition is, therefore, necessary to support the executive. Otherwise, the President, Premier, or Mayor is likely to be voted out of power.

Can a coalition be a good thing for South Africa?

As noted by various political parties as well as their leaders a coalition government in South Africa has the potential to be beneficial for the country under certain circumstances. The defining factors and advantages could include:

Representation of diverse perspectives: A coalition government can bring together different political parties, allowing for a broader range of perspectives and interests to be represented in decision-making processes. This can lead to more inclusive policies that consider a wider array of societal needs.

Checks and balances: A coalition government often requires parties to negotiate and compromise, which can result in a system of checks and balances. This can help prevent the concentration of power in a single party and promote accountability.

Stability and consensus-building: In a diverse political landscape, a coalition government can foster stability by encouraging cooperation and consensus-building among parties. This can lead to more thoughtful and well-rounded policy decisions.

However, it is important to note that coalition governments can also face challenges. Disagreements, conflicting interests, and difficulties in decision-making can arise. The success of a coalition government depends on the willingness of parties to collaborate, find common ground, and prioritize the best interests of the country over individual party agendas.

References

Desai, P., and Acton, H. (June 5, 2023). Success of SA’s coalition future hinges on formalised agreements. Good Governance Africa.
South African Government (n.d.) National Dialogue on Coalition Governments – Q & A on coalition governments.