Antagonistic politics and coalitions: South Africa’s local to national landscape

Abstract

The political landscape of Johannesburg offers a microcosm of the complexities of coalition politics amidst deep-rooted antagonisms, reflecting broader national and provincial trends. This paper extends its analysis from the city to the national and provincial spheres in light of South Africa’s recent elections. It examines how coalitions are formed, sustained, and how they influence governance, service delivery, and public trust. Using desktop research and electoral data, the paper explores the strategies political actors use to manage cooperation and competition within coalitions. Drawing on Claude Lefort’s theory of the ‘empty place of power’, it situates coalition politics within a wider context of democratic disillusionment and backsliding. The findings expose the inherent challenges and opportunities in fostering cooperation among divergent actors. By comparing electoral outcomes and inter-party relations across different spheres of government, the paper offers both theoretical insights and practical recommendations for strengthening democratic resilience in South Africa.