JULIUS MALEMA, HERMAN MASHABA AND JACOB ZUMA TURN JOHANNESBURG’S COALITION TALKS INTO A POLITICAL CHESS GAME, LEAVING THE ANC AND DA FIGHTING FOR INFLUENCE!
South Africa’s 2026 local government election results have created a complicated political situation in Johannesburg, where no single party has secured enough support to govern alone. The DA emerged as the largest party in the city, but it still needs other parties to form an administration.
The negotiations have become particularly interesting because of the roles being played by Julius Malema’s EFF, Jacob Zuma’s MK Party and Herman Mashaba’s ActionSA.
ActionSA has been involved in discussions with the ANC and EFF, while Mashaba has also put forward a proposal to the DA involving a possible mayoral arrangement. He has indicated that he could withdraw from the Johannesburg mayoral race if Helen Zille also steps aside, with ActionSA’s Nasiphi Moya emerging as a possible alternative candidate.
Meanwhile, the DA has made an unexpected move by approaching both the EFF and MK Party for coalition discussions, despite years of political disagreements. These developments show just how much the political landscape has changed.
The ANC is also facing difficult decisions. Its reduced electoral support means it cannot simply assume that it will retain control of Johannesburg. The party must now consider different coalition options and negotiate with parties that may have competing interests.
This has turned the negotiations into a political contest in which every party is trying to secure influence, protect its interests and avoid being left out of the next city administration.
However, there is no confirmed evidence that Malema, Mashaba and Zuma have formed a united alliance to deliberately exclude both the ANC and DA. Their parties are pursuing separate negotiations, and the final coalition arrangements remain uncertain.
One thing is clear: Johannesburg’s political future will depend not only on who received the most votes, but also on who can negotiate the strongest working agreement.