THE EPOCH OF COALITION GOVERNMENT IN SOUTH AFRICA: AN INDEPTH ANALYSIS ON GOOD GOVERNANCE AND SERVIEC DELIVERY IN SOUTH AFRICAN LOCAL GOVERNMENT
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Refilwe Erna Maenetja
Malatji Thabiso Lucky
This conceptual paper seeks to give an analysis in terms of what constitute failure in a coalition government and to determine the importance of coalition government on good governance and service delivery. The phenomenon is not foreign in the South African democracy. Thus, its emergence in the metropolitan stirred a tag of war among political parties. Its practicality remains turmoil citing the issues of management and thorny governance. In August 2023 coalition charter was launched which stirred debate from the public perspective reflecting at the current state of coalition government that exacerbated poor governance in metropolitans. Multiparty system in metropolitan appears unstable; this is demonstrated through constant motion of no confident votes within a blink of an eye. With the growing number of political parties in the country, prophetically coalition government is new epoch to drive local government. Building a delicate political art remains a key in ensuring that citizens enjoy stable government and democracy. South Africa cannot escape the era of coalition. This paper uses a qualitative approach to conceptually analyse the role of coalition government, good governance, and service delivery. The culture of coalition in local government could enhance political diversity. The study reveals that pragmatism leadership constituted by political and policy differences affects the stability of coalition. The paper recommends that substitution of public good from self-interests bear acceleration of consistent governance.
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