As South Africa votes in the 2026 local government elections, Professor Susan Booysen examines voter participation, declining trust in public institutions and the potential for electoral shifts to reshape municipal governance and the country’s evolving democracy.
Can South Africa’s Government of National Unity survive the increasingly hostile election campaigns of its two main partners? In SA Coalitions Brief No. 4, Professor Susan Booysen examines the ANC-DA relationship, political rivalry, legal battles and the resilience of the GNU ahead of the 2026 local government elections.
Could coalition government become the rule rather than the exception in South Africa? In SA Coalitions Brief No. 3, Professor Susan Booysen examines electoral trends, shifting party support and the potential expansion of coalition municipalities following the 2026 local government elections.
SA Coalitions Brief No. 2 examines the coalition negotiations expected to follow South Africa’s 2026 local government elections. Professor Susan Booysen explores established coalition practices, party alliances and the political dynamics shaping the next phase of local governance.
South Africa’s shift from dominant-party politics to coalition governance marks what Professor Susan Booysen describes as a ‘second democratic transition’. Ahead of the 2026 local government elections, she examines the ANC’s declining electoral support, the complexities of coalition politics and the implications for democratic governance.