DA and FF+ fallout in W Cape marks the ‘beginning of early election fever’

The rift between the DA and the Freedom Front Plus in the Western Cape, which has led to the collapse of the coalition in four municipalities, could be signalling a start of free-for-all coalitions with the aim of convincing voters that the different parties can bring stability if given a chance.

That is the view of at least one political analyst as the coalitions between the two parties have collapsed in George, Garden Route District, Oudtshoorn and the latest at Langeberg municipalities.

A blame game has ensued with the DA accusing the FF+ of allegedly being involved in behind-the-scenes discussions with the ANC, while the FF+ claimed the DA refused to comply with its requests pertaining to concerns and chose to rather break the agreements.

The Langeberg coalition was formed following the 2021 local government elections. DA Western Cape leader Tertuis Simmers said the decision to dissolve came after the FF+ refused to support a budget in council on May 30 and this constituted a material breach of their agreement.

“In all coalitions, partners support the budget. Failure to do so means that the municipality grinds to a halt and service delivery comes to an end.

“This is why this type of breach is considered so serious. Coalition partners are together in government and cannot risk collapsing a municipality.

“This action was all the more egregious given that all coalition partners had signalled support for the budget at a workshop held a week before the council meeting.

“This issue was the final straw that broke the camel’s back in the deteriorating relationship between the DA and the Freedom Front Plus in Langeberg.

When trust breaks down to that extent, it makes stable government impossible,” said Simmers.

Provincial FF+ leader Corne Mulder said the DA’s decision was not in the best interests of the residents in the affected municipalities.

“The Freedom Front Plus will continue to play its role in a constructive and positive manner to serve the residents of these municipalities to the best of our ability.

“We have already formed a government of local unity in Oudtshoorn and we invited the DA to participate in that but they decided not to do so,” said Mulder.

The divisions between the DA and FF+ have set the stage for the 2026 local government elections.

Stellenbosch University’s School of Public Leadership director, Professor Zwelinzima Ndevu, said: “What we are seeing now is the beginning of what I call early election (local government) fever, which forces political parties to look at the narrow interests of their constituencies.”

ANC provincial spokesperson Khalid Sayed blamed the DA’s “arrogance” for the collapsing coalitions.

Cape Times