JOHANNESBURG, Friday 6 November 2026 — African National Congress (ANC) head of elections Mdumiseni Ntuli has questioned the prospects of a coalition arrangement with the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Johannesburg, citing concerns over mayoral candidate Helen Zille’s campaign approach as political parties prepare for negotiations following the local government elections.
Ntuli, who also serves as the ANC’s chief whip in Parliament, told TimesLIVE’s Political Arena that some ANC leaders would be uncomfortable working with the DA following Zille’s campaign statements.
His remarks come as the ANC faces declining support in several major metropolitan municipalities and parties assess possible governing arrangements.
Ntuli raises concerns about Zille
Ntuli criticised what he characterised as arrogance in Zille’s Johannesburg mayoral campaign.
He suggested that her portrayal of herself as the person capable of resolving Johannesburg’s problems could complicate relations between the parties.
However, Ntuli did not rule out an ANC–DA agreement or claim that the party had formally rejected such an arrangement.
He said the effect of campaign tensions on future coalition negotiations remained uncertain.
ActionSA emerges as possible alternative
Ntuli pointed to the ANC’s working relationship with ActionSA in Tshwane, suggesting that similar arrangements could be considered elsewhere.
The ANC and ActionSA have previously worked together in Tshwane’s municipal administration.
ActionSA’s electoral performance in Johannesburg and Tshwane could strengthen its influence in negotiations where no party secures an outright majority.
No agreement between the ANC and ActionSA for Johannesburg has been announced.
ANC considers opposition role
Ntuli also suggested that the ANC should consider serving in opposition in some municipalities rather than entering coalition arrangements solely to remain in government.
He acknowledged that the party’s provisional election performance was disappointing.
The ANC has historically been one of the largest parties in Johannesburg, but the incomplete 2026 results indicate that the municipality could again require a multiparty governing arrangement.
GNU relationship also under scrutiny
Ntuli said the ANC would need to assess whether its coalition arrangements, including participation in the national Government of National Unity (GNU), had benefited the party.
He acknowledged the difficulties of managing the ANC’s relationship with the DA nationally but stopped short of attributing the party’s electoral losses to that relationship.
The ANC and DA remain partners in the GNU, despite competing against each other in municipal elections.
Any Johannesburg coalition agreement will depend on the final allocation of council seats and negotiations between the parties after the IEC completes the results process.
