EASTERN CAPE – The recent Ndlambe Municipality election results have left the local council on a knife edge, triggering delicate coalition negotiations after the African National Congress (ANC) lost its outright majority. With five parties successfully clinching seats, the outcome has made coalition building crucial to the municipality’s political stability and its future service delivery capabilities.
According to the finalized Ndlambe Municipality election results, the ANC remains the largest party with nine seats, followed by the Democratic Alliance (DA) with seven seats. The newly formed Thina Bahlali People’s Movement secured two seats, placing third, while the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the Freedom Front Plus (VF+) each claimed one seat.
Because no single party holds an outright majority, a coalition is required to take control of the council. However, on the surface, forming a coalition could still result in a mathematical tie, positioning the four-month-old civic movement as the crucial kingmaker in the negotiations. Currently, the two leading parties are awaiting directives from their respective national leaderships on the way forward.
The leader of the Thina Bahlali People’s Movement, confirmed that his party is waiting for the top parties to approach them.
“We are open to any party that seeks to put the interests and the residents of Unbe at the forefront of service delivery,” He stated. “We are still waiting. We have not been approached. We are of the view that if someone wants to form a coalition, such a party must come and present [their case], and we will also table our demands. Those demands are demands that will be centered and driven to benefit the residents of the municipality.”
The shift in the political landscape has been met with approval from some locals who were dissatisfied with the previous administration. Residents expressed satisfaction with the loss of an outright majority, emphasizing that the electorate has spoken and the outcomes must be respected. Community members stressed the need for new representatives who will actively fight for the people and advocate on their behalf.
