JOHANNESBURG, Wednesday 11 November 2026 — The African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) has called on the ANC to exclude the Democratic Alliance (DA) and other parties it describes as right-wing from municipal coalition agreements, adding to internal pressure over the party’s negotiating strategy following the 4 November local government elections.
ANCYL president Collen Malatji outlined the position at a Johannesburg media briefing on Tuesday, arguing that coalition arrangements should reflect the ANC’s policies on economic transformation and redress.
The intervention comes as the ANC negotiates with potential partners after losing support nationally and failing to secure outright majorities in several politically important municipalities.
Youth League rejects DA as coalition partner
Malatji said the Youth League opposed municipal agreements with parties whose economic and political positions differed fundamentally from those of the ANC.
He identified disagreements over Black Economic Empowerment, affirmative action and economic redress as central reasons for opposing arrangements with the DA.
The Youth League’s position is not a formal decision by the ANC’s national leadership and does not, by itself, prevent the party from negotiating with the DA.
The ANC and DA continue to serve together in the national Government of National Unity, despite disagreements over several policy issues.
Malatji demands youth representation
Malatji also called for the Youth League to be represented in coalition negotiations.
He argued that younger ANC members should participate in decisions that would determine the direction of municipal governments and the party’s response to its electoral losses.
The ANC has established a nationally coordinated approach to coalition negotiations as parties seek agreements in municipalities where no party secured a governing majority.
The Youth League’s demands introduce an additional internal consideration for negotiators, particularly in councils where the ANC and DA could potentially govern together.
Calls for accountability over election losses
Beyond coalition arrangements, Malatji called for disciplinary action against ANC members found responsible for manipulating candidate-selection processes or undermining community-preferred candidates.
He also urged the party to reconsider the deployment of representatives who had failed to deliver on municipal commitments.
Malatji acknowledged public dissatisfaction with municipal services, including water supply, infrastructure maintenance, unemployment and crime.
His comments followed an election in which the ANC remained the largest party nationally but received approximately 30.76% of the vote, according to reported IEC results.
Coalition decisions remain with ANC leadership
The Youth League’s position could influence internal ANC discussions, but the party’s authorised negotiating structures remain responsible for determining coalition arrangements.
No formal ANC decision excluding the DA from all municipal negotiations was established by Tuesday’s briefing.
The next indication of the Youth League’s influence will come as the ANC finalises its coalition positions and negotiators seek governing agreements in hung councils.
