DA reviving 2 private member's bills aimed at stabilising coalitions

CAPE TOWN - The Democratic Alliance (DA) is reviving two of its private member's bills aimed at stabilising coalitions across all spheres of government.

The party's chief whip, George Michalakis, said that spurious motions of no confidence impacted on the stability of municipalities and these processes needed to be regulated.

In September, the DA lost control over the Tshwane Municipality when its mayor, Cilliers Brink, was voted out of office.

The so-called coalition bills were originally introduced to Parliament last year by Michalakis' predecessor, Siviwe Gwarube, but lapsed at the end of the sixth administration.

The DA wants to limit the number of motions of no confidence that can be brought against a mayor or a Premier in a single year and for such motions only to be brought on the basis of misconduct.

Michalakis believes an independent panel should also assess such motions before they are tabled.

"These two particular bills will seek to regulate how often and under what circumstances motions of no confidence can be brought on all levels of government, and more stable coalitions will ultimately ensure better services for all the people."

In May, the cooperative governance minister tabled a draft bill for public comment, aimed at regularising coalition agreements. It also proposes changing the mayoral executive system to a collective system, where there is no outright majority and for open voting on the removal of office-bearers.

In preparation for the 2026 municipal elections, Michalakis said legislation was needed to ensure workable coalitions were formed and to curb smaller parties from playing the field in search of lucrative positions.

The Local Government: Municipal Structures Amendment Bill and the Constitution Nineteenth Amendment Bill have now been published for public comment.