FF Plus leader Dr Corné Mulder stated that his party would not enter into coalition partnerships with the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) Party, or the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) following the November 4 local government elections. Speaking to the SABC in Pretoria, Mulder explained that these parties do not share the same values and principles as the FF Plus. He emphasized that while there might be agreement on specific issues like fixing the grid or water systems, fundamental differences remain. This clear declaration by Dr Corné Mulder sets a defined boundary for potential post-election alliances for the Freedom Front Plus.
"My view is that one should look at the 10 larger parties. The Freedom Front Plus is one of those," Mulder said, adding, "The reality is that, specifically those parties that I've mentioned, and there may be others, we do not share the same value system, we do not share the same ideals and principles necessarily." He noted the importance of local government as the closest level of governance to the people, noting that in some municipalities, "80% of the budget is being spent on salaries and not on services or infrastructure." This allocation, according to Mulder, significantly hampers the ability of local authorities to deliver essential services and maintain critical infrastructure for residents.
Coalition Landscape and FF Plus Criteria
Coalition governments are expected to become the standard in municipalities following the November 4 local elections. This projection suggests a complex political landscape where no single party is likely to achieve an outright majority in many local councils. The Freedom Front Plus stated it will only collaborate with parties it can align with and that prioritize the interests of local communities. This principle forms the bedrock of their approach to post-election negotiations, ensuring that any partnership is grounded in shared objectives and benefits for residents.
Dr Corné Mulder conveyed the party's hope that coalitions would involve fewer parties to foster increased stability. He elaborated that forming governments with a smaller number of partners could lead to more cohesive decision-making and a clearer mandate, thereby enhancing governance effectiveness. The FF Plus indicated its belief that a significant number of South Africans support traditional conservative values, including the protection of property rights and opposition to expropriation without compensation. These values are central to the party's platform and will likely influence their choice of coalition partners. The party views these principles as fundamental to economic stability and individual liberty, making them non-negotiable in any potential alliance.
The FF Plus is actively participating in every council and ward across five provinces: the Western Cape, Northern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, and Mpumalanga. This extensive participation demonstrates the party's commitment to establishing a strong local government presence in key regions. In the remaining provinces, the party is contesting between 75% and 80% of municipalities. This broad electoral engagement reflects the FF Plus's strategy to maximize its influence across various local government structures throughout the country. The party's widespread presence is intended to offer voters a consistent political alternative rooted in its core principles across a significant portion of South Africa.
Party's Election Focus and Manifesto
The Freedom Front Plus recently launched its 2026 local government election manifesto, outlining its strategic priorities for the upcoming electoral cycle. This manifesto serves as a full guide to the party's vision for local governance and its proposed solutions to pressing municipal challenges. Central to the party's platform is a full 10-point plan designed to address critical issues at the municipal level. This detailed plan is intended to provide clear, actionable strategies for improving the quality of life for residents.
This plan focuses on improving service delivery, enhancing accountability within local government structures, and actively tackling what the party describes as failing municipal administration. The FF Plus emphasized its commitment to practical solutions for local governance challenges, aiming to move beyond rhetoric to implement tangible improvements. The party's manifesto notes concerns over financial mismanagement in certain local authorities. This issue is presented as a major impediment to effective governance and service provision.
According to the FF Plus, in some municipalities, as much as 80% of the allocated budget is currently being spent on salaries, which the party argues diverts key funds away from essential services and infrastructure development. This significant proportion of expenditure on personnel costs, rather than direct public benefit, is a key point of criticism from the FF Plus. The party aims to reallocate these resources to improve direct services for residents, such as water supply, sanitation, electricity, and road maintenance. By redirecting funds, the FF Plus believes municipalities can become more efficient and responsive to community needs.
Addressing another key issue, the Freedom Front Plus stated its official position regarding the presence of undocumented people. The party clarified that it does not support vigilante action against individuals without proper documentation. This stance shows the party's approach to law and order, advocating for legal and systematic processes rather than extra-judicial measures in dealing with immigration-related concerns. The FF Plus maintains that adherence to the rule of law is critical in addressing all societal issues, including those related to immigration status.
Broader Political Context and Values
Dr Corné Mulder criticized municipalities for allocating substantial portions of their budgets to salaries instead of essential services and infrastructure development. This fiscal approach, he argued, directly impacts the quality of life for citizens who rely on municipal services. The FF Plus leader noted a concern that this practice diverts funds from critical public needs, leading to deteriorating infrastructure and inadequate service provision. This misallocation of funds, in Mulder's view, contributes significantly to public dissatisfaction with local government.
Mulder also attributed growing public frustration to South Africa's weak economic growth and persistently high unemployment rates. He indicated that these economic challenges are significant drivers of public discontent across the country, creating a fertile ground for political instability and social unrest. The economic struggles faced by many South Africans exacerbate their dissatisfaction with poor service delivery at the local level.
The Freedom Front Plus maintains that South African citizens should be prioritized for employment opportunities. This stance reflects the party's broader policy perspective on labor and economic participation within the nation, advocating for policies that favor local job seekers. This principle is seen as key for addressing the country's high unemployment figures and fostering economic stability for its citizens.
The upcoming elections are characterized by a crowded political field, with more than 500 political parties contesting various seats. This high number of participants suggests a fragmented electoral landscape, where voters have a wide array of choices but also where securing a clear majority will be challenging for any single party. The sheer volume of political organizations vying for power indicates a diverse and competitive democratic process.
The city of Johannesburg is expected to experience particular fragmentation in its electoral outcomes. Approximately 80 parties are contesting the election specifically in Johannesburg, indicating a highly competitive and diverse political environment in the metropolitan area. This intense competition in one of South Africa's largest economic hubs notes the complex political dynamics at play. The presence of numerous political contenders may contribute to complex coalition negotiations following the polls, as various parties will likely need to form alliances to govern effectively. This fragmentation shows the importance of the FF Plus's stated criteria for coalition partners, as stable governance will depend on principled alliances.
