GNU marriage of convenience is a chance to fix local government — but it will be far from easy

The most devastating blows rained on the party in KwaZulu-Natal, where it could have been relegated to a footnote in history.

The ANC’s KZN leadership remains in name but is stripped of pride, prestige and power. Provincial chairperson Siboniso Duma was spared erstwhile metro mayor Mxolisi Kaunda’s fate. The latter was exiled from his sunny seaside suite to the oblivion of the National Council of Provinces. The former has to eat humble pie under an IFP premier in a diminished MEC portfolio, where he has to sit alongside his nemesis, the Zulu monarch’s traditional prime minister, Thulasizwe Buthelezi.

Sleeper cells for other political parties buried in the ANC are slowly being sniffed out. Kaunda may have been among those, some have speculated.

There are small strengths in President Cyril Ramaphosa’s characteristic indecision. One is his mastery of the rope trick – give the fifth column enough for them eventually to dangle from the end of it.

The shifting political landscape of a government of national unity is in its early days. The alliance of the ANC, IFP, DA and smaller parties sees distinct ideological tensions united in a quest for a share of power. They’ve committed to addressing pressing issues, notably the overhaul of local government to enhance service delivery.

Local government in almost every municipality has long been plagued by inefficiencies and corruption and has struggled to provide basic services such as water, electricity, sanitation and waste management. The Auditor-General’s reports have consistently highlighted widespread mismanagement and financial irregularities, further eroding public trust in local governance. The need for a radical overhaul is clear and the 2024 elections have amplified the urgency of addressing citizens’ frustrations. In spite of their historical and ideological distance, the ANC, DA and IFP trumpet the mutual goal of improving service delivery.

All three parties recognise the critical need for stronger governance frameworks. The ANC, while grappling with its internal challenges, has also committed to financial reforms as a pathway to restoring public confidence. Tangible decentralisation and community participation are critical in tailoring services to meet local demands.

The coalition partners appear to be of one mind about addressing the infrastructure backlog that hampers service delivery.

Investments in infrastructure development, maintenance and upgrading will be essential steps towards improving living conditions. The ANC’s infrastructure-driven economic policies, the DA’s focus on efficient service delivery models and the IFP’s emphasis on rural development are, at face value, a synergistic approach.

The real test will be in implementation. The success of the local government overhaul will hinge on effective collaboration among the coalition partners and a clear, unified strategy. Several pathways to reform can be envisaged, including introducing legislation that strengthens local government accountability, enhances financial management practices and promotes transparency.

Another crucial sphere is investing in training and capacity-building programmes for municipal officials to ensure they have the necessary skills and knowledge rather than an automatic resort to discredited cadre deployment. Public-private partnerships to finance and implement infrastructure projects may be a bitter pill, especially for the ANC, to swallow.

While the prospects for a fresh system of governance are promising, several challenges remain. Political differences and power dynamics within the coalition could impede decision-making. Additionally, entrenched interests and resistance to change within local government structures pose significant obstacles. Courageous leadership will be crucial in navigating these challenges.

The government of national unity presents a historic opportunity for the country to address the longstanding issues plaguing local government. By focusing on shared priorities such as governance, financial management, decentralisation and infrastructure, the ANC, DA and IFP can spearhead meaningful reforms that enhance service delivery and improve quality of life for their constituencies.

Success will depend on the coalition’s ability to work together, overcome challenges and maintain a steadfast commitment to principles of good governance and public service. This new terrain presents exciting possibilities but marriages of convenience are largely untested in South Africa. DM

This story first appeared in our weekly Daily Maverick 168 newspaper, which is available countrywide for R35.