Mbalula Appointed To Lead ANC Coalition Negotiations Team

The African National Congress (ANC) has moved to centralise its coalition negotiations following the 2026 local government elections establishing a National Negotiations Team led by Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula.

The decision places Mbalula at the centre of the party’s efforts to negotiate governing arrangements with other political formations as municipalities across South Africa prepare for their first council sittings.

In a statement issued on Saturday, 14 November, the ANC confirmed that all coalition engagements would be conducted under its official Coalition Framework.

The framework prioritises stable, transparent and accountable governance, transformation, the fight against corruption and improved service delivery.

Under the directive, provincial structures are permitted to conduct exploratory engagements with other political parties but cannot conclude coalition agreements without written authorisation from the national leadership.

The National Negotiations Team brings together several senior ANC leaders, including National Chairperson Gwede Mantashe, First Deputy Secretary-General Nomvula Mokonyane, Second Deputy Secretary-General Maropene Ramokgopa and Treasurer-General Gwen Ramokgopa.

The development comes after the ANC secured approximately 30.8% of the national vote in the 2026 elections, leaving around 138 of the country 213 municipalities without an outright majority.

The party has already begun engaging potential coalition partners in an effort to establish governing arrangements.

On Friday, 13 November, ANC representatives held discussions with Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) negotiators regarding municipal council composition and governance matters.

The party has also engaged Building One South Africa (BOSA), led by Mmusi Maimane, as well as the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP).

With several municipalities requiring coalition agreements, negotiations are expected to focus on political representation, leadership positions and governing priorities.

The ANC says its national team will serve as the central authority for coalition decisions, ensuring that all agreements align with the party’s approved framework.

The coming days will be crucial as political parties attempt to secure the numbers needed to govern municipalities across the country.

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