Joburg in the balance as DA says an opposition coalition government is not viable
Democratic Alliance (DA) Leader John Steenhuisen says the DA will not form any part of ‘chaotic’ coalitions that depend on the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) to stay in power.
The party provided an update on Saturday regarding coalition negotiations in Tshwane and Johannesburg metros.
This follows a statement, which was released on Friday, indicating that the DA will head up a coalition of opposition parties to govern Tshwane, while Action SA does the same thing in Johannesburg.
Steenhuisen says the reality is much more complex.
“The DA is, by a significant margin, the largest opposition party in both these Metros. But, apart from this, the election outcome in these two cities differs substantially,” he says.
“In Tshwane, it is possible for opposition parties to come together to form a majority coalition government that has over 50% of the seats in Council. This means opposition parties can form a stable coalition, pass budgets and take decisions, without having to rely on the EFF.
“This is not the case in Johannesburg. it is impossible for the other opposition parties to form a majority coalition, without the support of the EFF,” says Steenhuisen.
Steenhuisen says the party resolved not to be part of any coalition that involves the EFF.
“We would rather be a principled, strong opposition than be in government at all costs, especially when we know we will not be able to govern unless we dance to the tune of our arch opponents,” he says.
“We respect the will of the voters, and where we enter opposition coalitions that have a chance of succeeding, we will support a representative of the largest party as the mayoral candidate. We will not be part of any voting bloc that is dependent on the EFF.”
He says the party will on Monday, present Mpho Phalatse, to the election as Johannesburg’s Mayor at the inaugural council meeting.
On Tuesday, Randall Williams will be presented for election as Tshwane’s Mayor at the Inaugural Council meeting in that City.
“The DA will always keep the door open for continuing talks to enable like-minded opposition parties to find each other and build a strong alternative to both the ANC and the EFF. We will not be forced into a false choice between them, that can only lead to failure,” says Steenhuisen.
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