As South Africa prepares for local government elections on the fourth of November, questions over political coalitions, accountability and the delivery of basic services are taking centre stage. An indaba hosted by the Thabo Mbeki African School of Public and International Affairs at the University of South Africa in Pretoria has brought together political analysts, academics and governance experts to examine the challenges facing local government. The discussions include lessons from coalition governments formed after the 2024 national elections, and what these could mean for political stability and service delivery at municipal level. Channel Africa's Michael Mbewe reports.

<p>As South Africa prepares for local government elections on the fourth of November, questions over political coalitions, accountability and the delivery of basic services are taking centre stage. An indaba hosted by the Thabo Mbeki African School of Public and International Affairs at the University of South Africa in Pretoria has brought together political analysts, academics and governance experts to examine the challenges facing local government. The discussions include lessons from coalition governments formed after the 2024 national elections, and what these could mean for political stability and service delivery at municipal level. Channel Africa's Michael Mbewe reports.</p>