The GCRO participates in ACCORD and EMCA’s Local Government Coalition Dynamics two-day seminar

From 19 to 20 August 2026, the GCRO, represented by researcher Thembani Mkhize, attended Local Government Coalition Dynamics, a seminar organised by the African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (ACCORD) and the Election Management Consulting Agency of Africa (EMCA). The two-day event aimed to build participants' understanding of the legislative frameworks governing coalitions in South Africa, their practical implications, and the gaps they exhibit. It also sought to improve participants’ understanding of the similarities and differences in coalition governance across the country’s metropolitan, local and district municipalities. The seminar comprised a total of six sessions and a fireside chat, with distinguished speakers, ambassadors and scholars exploring and reflecting on the many facets of coalition governance in local government.

^{GCRO researcher Thembani Mkhize poses questions around the politics of gender representation relative to local coalitions}

On the first day, four speakers presented on coalition trends, patterns and emerging realities since the 2021 municipal polls (Prof Susan Booysen); the evolution of coalition governance frameworks (Dr Michael Sutcliffe); coalition governance relative to service delivery (Mr Ashraf Adam); and what makes coalitions work (Dr Tendai Mbanje). The first day of the seminar also comprised a networking session and fireside chat with Dr Zweli Mkhize (from national CoGTA). Dr Mkhize reflected on Parliament’s experiences and observations of coalition arrangements in the sixth local government term, lessons learned from municipal oversight, and key considerations for building more accountable and efficient local governments. On the second day, there were two sessions—one around coalition politics’ interface with gender representation (Dr Beauty Shiviti) and another around what political parties, civil society and municipal institutions should expect pre-, during, and post- November 2026’s local government elections (Mr Lance Joel).

The GCRO’s participation at Local Government Coalition Dynamics was useful for several reasons. For one, it afforded us the opportunity to learn more about coalition politics vis-à-vis local government and municipal governance. It also gave us a chance to participate in—contribute meaningfully to—discussions by asking questions and making remarks. More importantly, the insights heard at the ACCORD-EMCA two-day seminar will go a long way in sharpening the GCRO’s ongoing work around local government politics.