EFF in Mpumalanga rules out coalitions with DA and Freedom Front Plus

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Mpumalanga has made it clear that it will not form any coalition government with the Democratic Alliance (DA) or the Freedom Front Plus in the 14 hung municipalities in the province. The party says talks to form governments in these councils have already started, but only with other parties that share its views.

EFF provincial chairperson Collen Sedibe explained the decision. He said the party is speaking only to progressive parties on the left. These include the African National Congress (ANC), the South African Communist Party (SACP), the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), and some local community forums that came up in the municipalities. Sedibe said the EFF will not talk to the DA or the Freedom Front Plus at all.

He gave the reason in plain terms. The EFF sees itself as an anti-imperialist and anti-capitalist organisation. Because of this, it cannot work with parties it regards as right-wing. Sedibe added that the party will not join any arrangement that goes against the interests of poor people. He stressed that the EFF remains open to working with the ANC and other parties that fit this approach.

The situation comes after the recent local government elections. In 14 municipalities in Mpumalanga, no single party won enough seats to govern alone. This means parties must form coalitions or agreements to choose mayors and run the councils. These hung councils need stable governments so that basic services can continue and decisions can be made.

By refusing to work with the DA and Freedom Front Plus, the EFF is narrowing the options for some of these municipalities. The party believes its position will help build governments that focus on the needs of ordinary residents. At the same time, other parties will have to look for different partners or risk long delays in forming councils.

Negotiations are still going on. The EFF says it is focused on finding partners that match its policies. Other parties involved in the hung municipalities will now have to decide how to respond. The outcome of these talks will decide who runs the 14 councils and how services will be delivered in the months ahead.

The EFF’s firm stand adds another layer to the usual horse-trading that follows local elections in South Africa. Many residents will be watching closely to see whether the municipalities can form working governments without too much delay.

Source: https://x.com/SABCNews/status/2121687882666750364?a=DDDsCKvotnJIgChM7H8&s=19