DA scuttles deal with ActionSA, sinking Mashaba's dreams of wearing the mayoral chains again

• The Democratic Alliance has rejected a deal that would have allowed Herman Mashaba to become mayor of Johannesbrug
• The DA was not prepared to enter into a deal that would require the support of the EFF
• The original deal would have traded the DA's support for Mashaba as mayor of Johannesburh for the assurance that the DA would retain Tshwane

JOHANNESBURG - Herman Mashaba's plans for becoming mayor of Johannesburg have received a major blow after the Democratic Alliance rejected the deal.

The deal would have seen Mashaba become mayor of Johannesburg and in return, the DA would remain in control of Tshwane.

However, DA leader John Steenhuisen said that the deal was not possible because it meant that the EFF's support would be required.

He said that the coalition did not have enough support and would require the EFF's help which is something the DA rejected.

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Herman Mashaba is one step closer to becoming mayor of Johannesburg

Earlier, it had seemed almost inevitable that Mashaba would return as mayor, the situation is still very fluid.

ANC coalition talks finalised: 'Hung municipalities will now form councils'

In similar news, coalition engagements between the African National Congress (ANC) and the political parties it plans to ally reached finality on Thursday.

The ANC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) will convene at the weekend where it is expected to release a complete list of the parties with which it will lead.

Against the backdrop of the highly-contested ballots across the country, the future of many hung municipalities relied on the outcome of the discussions between parties.

In an earlier statement, the ruling party confirmed, following talks with the parties it plans to enter into a working partnership with, that a majority of hung municipalities can now move forward with forming councils.

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ANC coalition talks with other parties finalised: 'Hung municipalities will form councils'

However, it was not presently clear how many municipalities remain hung with the deadline of Tuesday next week for the finalisation of the formation of councils edging closer.

IFP to enter agreement with ANC, EFF benched as KZN talks conclude

Earlier, Briefly News reported that The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) previously stated that they refused to enter into a coalition with the ANC and seemed to be favouring the EFF. However, they have changed their tune by indeed entering into an agreement with the ANC.

The IFP said that the party that received the most votes in a municipality, even if they did not achieve a majority, should lead the municipality. This will allow parties in hung councils to assist one another.

However, it must be noted that the party with the most votes in a hung council will not lead independently and cannot make decisions on council matters without consulting other parties.

Source: Briefly News