‘We will never go to bed with the ANC’: Civic organisations hold keys to Emfuleni’s future

Detailed summary

Negotiations are at an advanced stage between the DA and two civic organisations holding the deciding cards in the hung Emfuleni Local Municipality as the parties scramble to form…

Negotiations are at an advanced stage between the DA and two civic organisations holding the deciding cards in the hung Emfuleni Local Municipality as the parties scramble to form a coalition government.

The DA, which grew its share from 26.91% in the 2021 local government elections to 40.9% in last week’s polls, needs coalition partners to govern the 45-ward municipality after no party secured an outright majority.

Active Citizens of South Africa (ACSA) and Tau Dia Rora Cultural and Traditional Lekhotla both began as civic movements before registering as political parties.

Tau Dia Rora focused on initiation schools and traditional matters, the youth, elderly, LGBTQI matters, school bullying, gangsterism and crime, while ACSA emerged as a community-driven initiative to address the municipality’s failing sewer network.

Tau Dia Rora secured one ward and one proportional representation (PR) seat, while ACSA attained two PR seats.

ACSA co-founder Edwin Kele said the organisation was in advanced negotiations with the DA among other parties.

READ | ‘We deserve change’: How the DA wrested the Vaal from the ANC’s grip

Speaking to News24 on Wednesday, Kele added that the organisation began its journey by freely helping the Emfuleni community.

“ACSA was formed in 2024, but we decided this year to take part in the elections after seeing the plight of service delivery and after some engagement with our people.”

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