DA ready for coalition talks

With the results of the 2026 Local Government Elections pointing to many hung municipalities in approximately two thirds of the country’s municipalities, the Democratic Alliance (DA) says it will be talking to many political parties in order to form coalition governments.

Democratic Alliance (DA) Federal Leader Geordin Hill-Lewis says the party will approach negotiations with a respect for the mandate other parties have received from the electorate.

“We have already reached out to many parties over the last 24 hours and will continue to do so today. At the moment those talks are informal, there are more discussions about having discussions and that is fine. The more formal and serious work will begin … I have no doubt probably today or in the next few days certainly.”

LGE 2026 | DA reacts to latest results

In the Northern Cape, 17 councils will have to be governed through coalition arrangements following the outcome of the elections.

The DA, which has increased its support by more than two percentage points, is in a strong position to influence the formation of several councils.

DA provincial leader Isak Fritz also says that informal discussions with other parties have already started.

However, he says the final decision on potential coalition partners will be made by the party’s federal leadership structures.

“We just talk to other parties. We don’t agree to nothing. There’s no agreement. We take that [discussion] to our federal structure. They will then decide with us who we can go into coalition with. It’s just myself and the provincial chairperson that can have talks with other parties.”

“As I said, no agreement, no coalitions, just talks. Then we will take it to federal and make a decision whether it’s the right one or they will say no, we have instructed you not to go into coalition with those parties.”

SABC News | 2026 LGE Coverage 4-6 November