Abstract
This study examines the effectiveness of coalition governments in South African metropolitan municipalities, focusing specifically on Ekurhuleni and Tshwane during the period 2016-2021. After the 2016 local government elections, which signalled a dramatic change from single-party dominance to coalition governance, the study examines the effects of coalition arrangements on governance outcomes, service delivery, and administrative stability in these municipalities.
The study employed a qualitative analysis gathered through in-depth interviews with key stakeholders, including municipal officials, political party representatives, and community leaders. Additional data sources include council meeting minutes, municipal financial reports, service delivery statistics, and relevant policy documents from the five-year period under review.
The findings of the study suggest that both municipalities faced considerable difficulties in preserving stable governing arrangements. The paper details three significant coalition reconfigurations in Tshwane from 2016 to 2021, including an administration term during which Section 139 intervention was implemented. According to analysis, these political upheavals led to a 35% rise in service delivery complaints and a 40% drop-in project completion rates. Despite having comparatively greater stability, Ekurhuleni continued to struggle with policy execution and budget allocation, with coalition discussions causing major infrastructure project approvals to be delayed by an average of 8.5 months.
Through empirical evidence of the prospect and challenges presented by multi-party government at the municipal level, this study advances our understanding of coalition governance in South Africa's fledgling democracy. The findings indicate that whereas coalition governance improved political representation, they frequently jeopardised the efficacy of service delivery and administrative efficiency. The study makes specific suggestions for enhancing coalition governance, such as written coalition agreements with well-defined dispute resolution procedures, organised decision-making procedures, and improved structures for intergovernmental coordination.
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The study draws the conclusion that substantial institutional changes, more robust interparty cooperation mechanisms, and a stronger emphasis on service delivery over political interests are necessary for coalition governments in South African municipalities to succeed. Future local government elections and coalition building in South Africa's urban municipalities will be significantly impacted by these findings.
Keywords: coalition government, local governance, South Africa, municipal administration, service delivery, Ekurhuleni, Tshwane, political stability, intergovernmental relations, democratic governance