DA invites EFF and MK to coalition talks. Who's negotiating for each party

The DA has written to the EFF and the MK Party inviting them to coalition talks in municipalities, a break from its long-held position that it would not govern with either party. Both parties confirmed to the Sunday Times on Wednesday that they had received the letter (Sunday Times).

No deals have been signed yet. Talks are under way in about 138 metro and local councils where no party won a majority on 4 November (SA Government; The National).

What did the EFF and MK say about the DA's letter?

EFF elections spokesperson Sixolise Gcilishe said the party's leadership met the DA on Tuesday. "They have asked us to work with them in municipalities, however, we have not yet responded," she told the Sunday Times (Sunday Times).

MK Party leader Dali Mpofu said the DA had approached former president Jacob Zuma and that MK had decided to accept the invitation, with a meeting to be arranged "in the next few days". He said MK has no preconditions and is willing to talk to any party. MK's negotiators also held an exploratory meeting with the ANC on Sunday (Sunday Times).

What does the DA say?

DA federal council chairperson Ashor Sarupen did not confirm or deny the talks with the EFF and MK. He said the party would not negotiate through the press and is speaking to "all parties interested in non-racialism, the rule of law, anti-corruption and service delivery" (Sunday Times).

The DA's federal executive has said coalition talks will be coordinated nationally, not council by council (News24). The Sunday Times notes the DA has said one reason it joined the government of national unity was to keep the EFF and MK out of national government (Sunday Times).

Who is negotiating for each party?

Sources: News24; Sunday Times

The EFF left its deputy president Godrich Gardee, national chairperson Nontando Nolutshungu and treasurer-general Omphile Maotwe off its team because they were mayoral candidates, party leader Julius Malema said (News24).

What happens next?

The ANC's National Executive Committee meets on Thursday, 12 November, to decide its coalition approach for Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni. Options reported include a formal deal with the DA, a wider arrangement with ActionSA, the EFF and smaller parties, or each party governing where it is largest with support from the other (Daily Maverick).

The ANC controls 53 councils after this election, down from 122 after 2021 (News24). MK leads in 19 KwaZulu-Natal councils and won outright majorities in three (News24).

CoGTA says metro and local councils must be constituted between 12 and 26 November, and that coalition talks do not extend that deadline (IOL; SA Government). Your mayor is elected by councillors at the first council sitting, which your municipal manager calls.