We need coalitions based on a clear set of principles instead of gross political expedience
On Friday, Johannesburg’s DA mayor, Mpho Phalatse, was ousted through a vote of no confidence. The ANC, the biggest party in the city, chose not to field a candidate. This paved the path for Thapelo Amad from a little-known, three-seat party in the council, Al Jama-ah, to be elected mayor of the city that still symbolises all the possibilities of endeavour and hustle in SA.
Regrettably, this instability in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal is likely to continue into the foreseeable future. The principal driver is the posture of the ANC and EFF. After almost three decades of failing to deliver services adequately in most metros, secondary cities and rural councils, the ANC is facing competition from a growing political opposition, mainly the DA and IFP.
But as a relatively new phenomenon in SA, our coalitions are going through severe growing pains at a time when the cities they oversee are in urgent need of attention. We need coalitions that are based on a clear set of principles instead of gross political expedience. Until now, coalitions have largely been motivated by a desire to remove the ANC from power. That may play well with an angry urban electorate in the short term, but it does not make for good governance.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
EDITORIAL: Where’s the SABC board?Ramaphosa dithers again on yet another crucial matter.
Read more »
Editorial | Prioritise the City of Gold | City PressThe think-tank concluded that “South Africa faces a choice: either it can let Johannesburg struggle along” or it must unite to “keep Johannesburg – and, by implication, Africa – at the cutting edge of global economic change and competitiveness”.
Read more »
EDITORIAL: Matric: don’t believe Motshekga’s smoke and mirrorsSouth African education lags far behind international benchmarks.
Read more »
EDITORIAL: Zero rating chicken will benefit farmers and consumersIn the current environment trade measures could pluck the last few feathers from the near-naked carcass of the embattled local poultry sector
Read more »
PSG drop points for second straight Ligue 1 clash | KickOffParis Saint-Germain dropped points for the second successive Ligue 1 game following a 1-1 draw with Reims on Sunday night. Read more ▶️
Read more »
EDITORIAL | SA football is not dead. Just ask Benni, Pitso and LyleSundowns cannot be solely blamed for the demise of local standards without looking at the role of owners, clubs, sponsors, the league and Safa
Read more »