Mashatile: Collapse of coalitions ‘deliberate’, unrelated to public good
Deputy President Paul Mashatile told the national dialogue on coalition governments that the frequent collapse of coalitions at a local government level is deliberate.
Mashatile delivered the opening address at the dialogue, which began at the University of the Western Cape on Friday.
The gathering aims to establish a national framework to guide the management of coalition governments ahead of next year’s general elections.
Currently, more than 60 municipalities are governed by coalitions.
Mashatile said most of these coalition governments have found it difficult to uphold the principles of good governance and provide essential services to residents.
"The government is keenly aware of the challenge of addressing the issue of coalition building. Universally, every political party desires to govern. However, when an election produces no outright winner, parties are forced to enter into such partnerships as coalitions to facilitate the effective oversight and conduct of public affairs,” said Mashatile.
“Those who govern owe accountability to the people at all times, for without accountability, the process of governance is compromised.”
Mashatile said constant conflict within coalitions often leads to their collapse.
“The frequent collapse of coalitions at the local government level is deliberate, sometimes even unrelated to the pursuit of the public good, and can be minimised down to a healthy level, with little detrimental effect on municipal administration.”
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