Master classes in creating co-operation in shambolic SA political coalitions – Prof Erwin Schwella

Political coalitions are clearly not working in South Africa. Tshwane had a mayor from a tiny minority party for about six seconds when COPEs’ Murunwa Makwarela was disqualified because of an insolvency issue. Municipal governments have changed hands regularly in other large cities of the country as well, including Johannesburg. It is expected that the ANC, that has been in power since 1994 might not get more than 50% of the vote in the election in mid-2024 – they are currently polling at around 37% - and our history with coalitions on local government level does not bode well for coalition government on national government level. Recognising our inexperience in coalitions, a group of South Africa lawmakers are undertaking a tour to Europe to study how countries have managed to make coalition governments work. Local government specialist Prof Erwin Schwella who is also professor emeritus at the Law School at Tilburg University in the Netherlands and now runs the Hugenote Kollege on Leadership in Wellington has been given the mandate by the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung to design and design a leadership masterclass in coalition. Prof Schwella told Biznews that he is hoping for a“healthy rush to colleges doors instead of a rush to the court doors." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices