ANC makes DA its 'last resort' for coalitions: what it means
The ANC's NEC has resolved that the DA should be the last resort for municipal coalitions, SABC News reports. Can the ANC lead Joburg, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni and Mangaung without the DA? The seat maths.
The ANC's extended National Executive Committee (NEC) has resolved that the DA should be its "last resort" when forming coalition governments in municipalities, SABC News reported on Friday morning, 13 November.
According to SABC News, most NEC members blamed the party's partnership with the DA in the government of national unity for losing the ANC traditional voter support (SABC News).
The ANC had not published a full statement at the time of writing. Secretary general Fikile Mbalula was expected to announce the outcome of the NEC meeting on Friday (EWN). We will update this article when he does.
What does "last resort" mean in practice?
It means the ANC will try to build coalitions with other parties first, and turn to the DA only if those talks fail. SABC News did not report that the DA has been ruled out completely (SABC News).
Before the meeting, the ANC said it would not take a "blanket approach" and would look at each municipality separately, as Reported covered in our NEC preview.
Can the ANC lead the big metros without the DA?
On paper, yes, but only with wide alliances and very little room. By Reported's calculation from the final seats:
| Metro | ANC-led deal without the DA | Seats | Needed | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johannesburg | ANC + ActionSA + EFF + MK Party | 138 | 136 | 2 spare |
| Tshwane | ANC + ActionSA + EFF + MK Party | 109 | 108 | 1 spare |
| Ekurhuleni | ANC + ActionSA + EFF + MK Party | 128 | 113 | 15 spare |
| Mangaung | ANC + EFF + PA + ActionSA | 51 | 51 | None |
Sources: Rateweb from IEC results for Johannesburg, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni and Mangaung. Smaller parties could add a few seats in each case.
The ANC is not the biggest party in the three Gauteng metros. The DA is, with 91 seats in Johannesburg, 74 in Tshwane and 66 in Ekurhuleni (Rateweb). So every Gauteng route without the DA needs ActionSA, the EFF and the MK Party to vote together.
Who does that put in the spotlight?
The SACP, EFF, MK Party, Afrika Mayibuye Movement and others had warned they would not support ANC-led coalitions that include the DA (IOL).
ActionSA's seats are part of every Gauteng route above. ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba met DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis on Thursday for what he called "a frank and productive meeting", and has not said whether any deal came out of it (IOL). Reported has the DA and ActionSA seat maths.
In Mangaung, the ANC had already opened talks with every party except the DA and the FF Plus. Its routes to 51 are in our Mangaung explainer.
When will mayors be chosen?
New councils have to hold their first sittings, where mayors are elected, by about 22 November. See how new mayors are elected.
FAQ
What did the ANC NEC decide about the DA?
SABC News reported on 13 November 2026 that the NEC resolved the DA should be the last resort for forming coalition governments in municipalities.
Has the ANC ruled out working with the DA?
Not according to SABC News's report. 'Last resort' means the ANC will try other partners first.
Can the ANC govern Johannesburg without the DA?
Only with ActionSA, the EFF and the MK Party together, which gives 138 of 270 seats, two more than the 136 needed.
Why did the ANC turn against the DA?
SABC News reported that most NEC members blamed the DA partnership in the government of national unity for the ANC losing traditional voter support.