DA's Meyer confident KZN coalition will last entire 5-year term

JOHANNESBURG - The KwaZulu-Natal governing coalition has a majority of one seat, however, the Democratic Alliance (DA) in the province is confident it will last the entire five years of its political administration.

The 'government of provincial unity' as it is named, is made up of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), DA, African National Congress (ANC), and National Freedom Party (NFP).

This is KZN's first-ever coalition government following the ANC's electoral decline. The party went from 54% in 2019 to 16% in this year’s general elections.

Unlike municipalities, provincial governments do not have by-elections, meaning the seat allocation for parties remains intact for the duration of the five-year political term.  

While there have been minor squabbles between the ANC and IFP, the four-party coalition has largely remained intact.

ALSO READ: KZN ANC in talks with IFP over power-sharing in Umzumbe municipality

DA member and MEC for Public Works and Infrastructure, Martin Meyer, said that a one-seat majority was not ideal for a coalition government, however, they needed to make it work.

"It is a stable government. I know people outside like to make a lot and say it's tricky, it's holding on by a thin thread but it's not. We have had no problems inside Cabinet or inside the joint caucuses at all. Yes, we come from different backgrounds. It's not a question if it will last for 5 years, it has to. There is no other option for us," said Meyer.

Meye said the other option of an MK Party and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) coalition government was unimaginable and would be disastrous for KZN.