QWAQWA – As parties begin coalition talks after the 2026 local government elections, the DA, African Content Movement (ACM) and MAP16 Civic Movement have set out what they want from governing partners: service delivery, clean governance and accountability.
The ANC emerged as the leading party in Maluti-a-Phofung, Mangaung, Dihlabeng and Nketoana, but without an outright majority.
In an interview with The Guard Thabo Meeko – Free State ANC spokesperson confirmed that ANC has been approached for government coalition in the hung municipalities.
“We have not started yet. It is true that we have been approached, but we cannot finalise anything because the ANC is a unitary organisation. Tomorrow, there is a special National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting that is going to adopt the framework to guide lower structures in terms of those conversations with other political parties.
“This framework will guide the process politically. What we mean by that is that our experience of coalitions has shown that there are political parties that are not necessarily prioritising service delivery but are elevating party-political interests. Our view is that all political parties need to come together and ensure that service delivery is not compromised so that the project of democracy works for the people.
“We will engage anybody and everybody who shares that commitment with us. It will also cascade down to other requirements, political objectives and a shared vision. All of these things will be guided by the framework provided by the national leadership. Only then will real discussions unfold.
DA: Signed agreements or no deal
DA Provincial Deputy Chairperson and Maluti-a-Phofung Constituency Head Jafta Mokoena said the party was happy with its results but admitted talks in Maluti-a-Phofung would be complicated.
“As the DA, we are happy with the results as they are. Coalition talks in Maluti-a-Phofung seem rather complicated because we are the third-largest party there. We will have to engage with the top two, which are the ANC and ACM,” he said.
Mokoena said the DA would not govern with parties that did not understand governance.
“Maluti-a-Phofung needs a serious intervention and leadership.”
Its priorities include strengthening administrative capacity, reliable water and electricity, fixing leaks and sewer spillages, improving roads and tackling unemployment.
Mokoena said agreements must be written and linked to budgets.
“We will enter into signed agreements because if we do not, how can we hold them accountable? If we do not have a written agreement, there will be no way to keep each party accountable.”
He added:
“We do not mind being the opposition… what we won’t do is be part of a coalition government that will not benefit the community.”
ACM: 15 seats and ready to govern
The ACM confirmed it will take part in negotiations in Maluti-a-Phofung and Nketoana.
In a statement on 9 November, President Hlaudi Motsoeneng thanked voters and said the results showed the movement’s growing presence.
“For the first time in history, ACM is in control of seven wards — Ward 14, 17, 19, 21, 23, 30 and 34 – in Maluti-a-Phofung. In addition, the movement has eight PR councillors giving us a total of 15 seats in Council,” the statement said.
Motsoeneng said voters would be informed of the outcomes of negotiations.
MAP16: Open to talks, wants clean governance
MAP16 president Gilbert Mokotso said the movement secured six seats in Maluti-a-Phofung and one PR seat at Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municipality.
“We thank the people of Maluti-a-Phofung for voting for us. Despite the challenges we faced, we see that we really did well because a lot of people were saying that MAP16 is dead,” he said.
Mokotso said MAP16 was willing to work with any party that approached it, but did not have the numbers to dictate terms.
“Yes, we do have our manifesto, but we don’t have the numbers to negotiate. Whoever we go into partnership with, we want clean governance and the services to go to the people.”
He cited issues the movement had previously championed, including the proposed takeover of electricity distribution from Eskom, the Bluegumbosch Mall development, basic service delivery and unemployment.
What residents will judgeThe three formations agree governance needs more than political deals. The DA wants written commitments, the ACM wants to govern, and MAP16 wants clean governance.
But with the ANC yet to declare its position, key questions remain.
For residents, the test will be whether negotiations deliver practical action on unemployment, unreliable services and accountability — not just campaign promises.
