PSC2601
Assignment 2 Semester 1 2026
Unique number:
Due Date: 9 April 2026
An analysis of coalition politics at local government level
1. Introduction
Local government in South Africa has changed significantly since the 2016 municipal
elections. Before this period, most municipalities were controlled by a single dominant party.
However, the emergence of hung councils forced political parties to work together through
coalition governments. These coalitions have introduced new governance dynamics,
including shared power and negotiation between parties. While coalitions create
opportunities for inclusive governance, they also bring instability and conflict. This essay
examines coalition governments by defining key concepts, explaining how they work,
discussing their strengths and weaknesses, and analysing the experience of the City of
Johannesburg. It also provides recommendations to improve coalition governance.
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
An analysis of coalition politics at local government level
1. Introduction
Local government in South Africa has changed significantly since the 2016 municipal
elections. Before this period, most municipalities were controlled by a single
dominant party. However, the emergence of hung councils forced political parties to
work together through coalition governments. These coalitions have introduced new
governance dynamics, including shared power and negotiation between parties.
While coalitions create opportunities for inclusive governance, they also bring
instability and conflict. This essay examines coalition governments by defining key
concepts, explaining how they work, discussing their strengths and weaknesses, and
analysing the experience of the City of Johannesburg. It also provides
recommendations to improve coalition governance.
2. Definition of key concepts
A coalition government refers to a government formed when two or more political
parties agree to share power because no single party has a majority (PSC2601
Study Guide 2017).
A hung council occurs when no political party obtains more than 50 percent of the
seats in a municipal council, making it necessary for parties to cooperate (Knowles
2021).
Local government is the sphere of government responsible for delivering basic
services such as water, electricity and sanitation to communities, and it operates
through municipalities (PSC2601 Study Guide 2017).
3. The notion of coalition governments
Coalition governments arise in democratic systems where no single political party
gains enough support to govern alone. In South Africa, this became more common
Assignment 2 Semester 1 2026
Unique number:
Due Date: 9 April 2026
An analysis of coalition politics at local government level
1. Introduction
Local government in South Africa has changed significantly since the 2016 municipal
elections. Before this period, most municipalities were controlled by a single dominant party.
However, the emergence of hung councils forced political parties to work together through
coalition governments. These coalitions have introduced new governance dynamics,
including shared power and negotiation between parties. While coalitions create
opportunities for inclusive governance, they also bring instability and conflict. This essay
examines coalition governments by defining key concepts, explaining how they work,
discussing their strengths and weaknesses, and analysing the experience of the City of
Johannesburg. It also provides recommendations to improve coalition governance.
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
An analysis of coalition politics at local government level
1. Introduction
Local government in South Africa has changed significantly since the 2016 municipal
elections. Before this period, most municipalities were controlled by a single
dominant party. However, the emergence of hung councils forced political parties to
work together through coalition governments. These coalitions have introduced new
governance dynamics, including shared power and negotiation between parties.
While coalitions create opportunities for inclusive governance, they also bring
instability and conflict. This essay examines coalition governments by defining key
concepts, explaining how they work, discussing their strengths and weaknesses, and
analysing the experience of the City of Johannesburg. It also provides
recommendations to improve coalition governance.
2. Definition of key concepts
A coalition government refers to a government formed when two or more political
parties agree to share power because no single party has a majority (PSC2601
Study Guide 2017).
A hung council occurs when no political party obtains more than 50 percent of the
seats in a municipal council, making it necessary for parties to cooperate (Knowles
2021).
Local government is the sphere of government responsible for delivering basic
services such as water, electricity and sanitation to communities, and it operates
through municipalities (PSC2601 Study Guide 2017).
3. The notion of coalition governments
Coalition governments arise in democratic systems where no single political party
gains enough support to govern alone. In South Africa, this became more common
