ANC coalition deals now need Mbalula's sign-off. What happens by Friday
An ANC circular puts all coalition talks under a national team led by Fikile Mbalula, who must sign off every deal. The NEC meets on 12 November and the ANC speaks on 13 November.
No ANC coalition deal in any hung council is final until secretary-general Fikile Mbalula signs off on it in writing. A party circular dated 8 November moves all coalition negotiations to a national team, and says final arrangements "will be confirmed only once the secretary-general has given formal written authorisation" (Sunday World).
The ANC lost control of 110 municipalities in the 2026 local elections, including Mangaung and Buffalo City, the last two metros it ran, and its national vote fell to 30.8% from 46% in 2021 (EWN).
What can local ANC branches still do?
Provincial, regional and municipal structures may talk to other parties, but they can't agree terms or close a deal. The circular limits them to exploratory talks, listening sessions with other parties, community groups and alliance partners, and working out the seat maths in their council (Sunday World).
The rule covers full coalitions, confidence-and-supply deals and the share-out of mayor, speaker, chief whip and mayoral committee posts (Sunday World).
In KwaZulu-Natal, the provincial ANC had already told its regions on 6 November not to make commitments or enter coalition talks without a mandate from the province (Business Day).
Why is the ANC doing this?
The circular says coalitions formed "council by council, without a shared programme, often proved unstable" during the 2021 to 2026 term (EWN). Any deal must now include a written programme, a budget the council can pass, a way to settle disputes and terms meant to last the full five-year term (Sunday World).
Mbalula has also said the ANC is prepared to sit in opposition where a deal doesn't meet its terms (Business Day).
Who is on the ANC's negotiating team?
Mbalula leads it. The other members named in the circular are below (Sunday World).
| Role | Members |
|---|---|
| National officials | Gwede Mantashe, Nomvula Mokonyane, Maropene Ramokgopa, Gwen Ramokgopa |
| NEC members | Parks Tau, David Makhura, Ronald Lamola, Andries Nel, Zuko Godlimpi, Febe Potgieter |
| NEC members | Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri, Nkenke Kekana, Mdumiseni Ntuli, Dickson Masemola, Enoch Godongwana |
Source: Sunday World
When will the ANC say who it will work with?
Mbalula set out this week's timetable on results night (SABC News):
| Day | What happens |
|---|---|
| Monday, 9 November | Party officials finalise an analysis of the election |
| Thursday, 12 November | NEC meets to decide its approach to hung councils |
| Friday, 13 November | ANC to announce its final position |
Source: SABC News
The national officials, led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, will finalise the "doctrine" that guides the talks (EWN).
How much time is left?
Not much. New councils must hold their first meeting, where the speaker and mayor are elected, within 14 days of being declared elected, which is by 22 November for councils declared on 8 November. Talks don't pause that deadline (Inside Politics). If the ANC announces its position on 13 November, that leaves about nine days to close deals. See how the 22 November deadline works.
FAQ
Who approves ANC coalition deals after the 2026 local elections?
ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula. A circular dated 8 November 2026 says final coalition arrangements will be confirmed only once he gives formal written authorisation.
When will the ANC announce its coalition position?
Mbalula said the NEC meets on Thursday, 12 November, and the ANC will announce its final position on Friday, 13 November 2026.
Can ANC regions sign coalition deals on their own?
No. Provincial, regional and municipal structures may hold exploratory talks and make recommendations, but they cannot agree terms or conclude deals.
What must an ANC coalition agreement include?
According to the circular, a written programme, a budget the council can pass, dispute-resolution mechanisms and arrangements meant to last the full municipal term.