Developing story: the ANC's national executive committee is expected to meet on Thursday to discuss the party's coalition approach, and no agreements with other parties have been announced.
The ANC has given its provincial and regional structures the go-ahead to hold localised "exploratory" talks with possible coalition partners in councils where it lost its majority, according to a circular from secretary-general Fikile Mbalula.
The circular, sent to national officials and provincial structures, says provincial, regional and municipal structures may now hold talks with other parties represented in their councils.
What the circular allows
Provinces may convene "listening sessions" with parties, including community formations and alliance partners, "to understand their priorities, conditions and concerns", as the circular is reported to put it. The early talks are meant to assess local numbers and whether a deal is workable, and then to advise the party's centre, which is led by party president Cyril Ramaphosa and Mbalula.
Talks have started as early as this week in some provinces, including the Eastern Cape, where the ANC needs partners in Buffalo City Metro and other councils where it no longer has a majority. It is reported to be the first time the party will hold coalition discussions in that province.
How this fits with the centralised approach
Earlier this week the ANC moved to centralise coalition negotiations under a national negotiating team led by Mbalula. The new circular does not remove that structure: the local talks are described as exploratory, with the outcome reported back to the centre.
Parties have about two weeks from the IEC's declaration of the final results on 8 November to elect mayors and speakers in the new councils. The ANC won roughly 31% of the national vote, according to the IEC's final results.
What we do not yet know
The circular as reported does not name specific partner parties beyond those represented in each council and alliance or community formations. It is not yet known what the national executive committee will decide on Thursday, or whether it will change the way local talks are run.
