ANC NEC resolves that DA coalitions should be’last resort’

The African National Congress (ANC) Extended National Executive Committee meeting has resolved that the Democratic Alliance (DA) should be the last resort to form coalition governments at local municipalities.

SABC News understands an overwhelming majority within the ANC’s NEC has taken a decision to move away from the DA in the finalisation of coalition negotiations.

Speaker after speaker bemoaned the former governing party’s relationship with the second largest party as having tarnished the party and losing its base due to the Government of National Unity (GNU) arrangement.

KwaZulu-Natal became a sticking point when Provincial Convenor Michael Mabuyakhulu advocated for a working relationship with the DA; however, other leaders refuted the stance and called for a case-by-case approach on local municipalities.

The tactical approach is resting on the negotiation team, whilst the opposition party is seen as an enemy which is not a genuine partner when they opposed the Budget and transformative policies.

The NEC meeting granted the ANC Secretary-General full negotiating powers, while frowning upon DA Leader Geordin Hill-Lewis for bypassing Fikile Mbalula and going directly to President Cyril Ramaphosa, who has repeatedly told him to speak to the Secretary-General instead.