The African National Congress (ANC) has formally established its National Negotiations Team, led by Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula, to oversee coalition discussions following the 2026 local government elections.

In a statement issued today, Saturday, 14 November, the party said all coalition engagements would be conducted under the ANC’s Coalition Framework, which prioritises stable, transparent and accountable governance, transformation, fighting corruption and improved service delivery.

The move follows a circular issued by Mbalula on 8 November directing provincial and regional structures to centralise coalition talks. Provincial structures may hold exploratory discussions but cannot finalise agreements without written authorisation from the national leadership.

The team includes National Chairperson Gwede Mantashe, First Deputy Secretary-General Nomvula Mokonyane, Second Deputy Secretary-General Maropene Ramokgopa, Treasurer-General Gwen Ramokgopa, and senior leaders Parks Tau, David Makhura, Ronald Lamola, Enoch Godongwana, Andries Nel, Mdumiseni Ntuli and Mahlengi Bhengu, among others.

The ANC secured approximately 30.8% of the national vote in the elections, leaving around 138 of the country’s 213 municipalities without an outright majority.

The party has already started coalition engagements, meeting Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) negotiators on 13 November to discuss municipal council composition and governance matters. It has also held discussions with Building One South Africa (BOSA), led by Mmusi Maimane and the MK Party.

The ANC said its negotiations would be guided by the need to establish stable local government arrangements, with the national team serving as the central authority for all coalition decisions as municipalities prepare for their first council sittings.

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