Some independent candidates weighing options on joining coalitions

JOHANNESBURG - Some independent candidates running for public office at this month’s elections are weighing their options on coalitions as polls suggest no party will get an outright majority.

With 25 days to go the critical elections, a number of opinion polls have put the African National Congress (ANC) below the 50% threshold.

For political pundits, this means it is becoming more and more likely that the country is heading towards a coalition government post-My 29.

This includes at a national and provincial level.

While the ANC still looks set to garner the most votes, failure to get an outright majority means the party will have to pair up with an opposition party to govern the country.

Independent candidate, Sesing Ramotswabodi, said he's open to talks with parties.

"As long as people remember why there are there and you are aligned in terms of thinking and the needs of your people, I think it will work. It's not doom and gloom."

Independent candidate, Tshepo Mogano, said there's only one downside.

"The reason why people fight is money. they are fighting for resources, that is where my issue is."

Coalitions at local government have already proven to be difficult terrain, often collapsing over political disagreements.

This has sparked concerns that this has set a bad precedent for the future of coalitions.