Governing Through Coalitions

Assess how coalition politics can affect local government in South Africa when no party has a clear majority. Explain how parties negotiate priorities, budgets and leadership, and how frequent realignments can affect service delivery and public trust. Also consider how voter turnout, political intimidation and public participation influence the legitimacy of governing arrangements. Propose practical rules and public accountability measures that could help coalitions remain transparent and focused on residents' needs, while acknowledging the trade-offs between stability and representation.