Developing story: the remarks below are as reported from Saturday and should be confirmed against a recording or transcript.
EFF leader Julius Malema says the ANC must agree if the MK Party makes President Cyril Ramaphosa's departure a condition of any coalition deal, and has proposed a bloc of the ANC, EFF, MK and SACP to keep the DA out of power in hung councils.
"If MK puts a demand that Ramaphosa must go, the ANC must agree," Malema said. He also said: "The ANC must agree that Ramaphosa must go because we are in this mess because of him." Both quotes are as reported and are flagged for confirmation.
A bloc against the DA
Malema's proposal would bring together parties that have criticised the DA. The EFF's support fell to about 6.2% in the elections, which Malema earlier called "a setback, not a defeat".
He also drew limits on what the EFF would accept. "There's no negotiation that is going to say ActionSA must have two municipalities," he said, and added: "We are going to fold our arms", signalling the EFF could withhold its votes rather than accept terms it rejects. Both remarks are as reported.
Malema said he was prepared to hear other parties out and work with them on municipal issues, and signalled readiness to work with ActionSA on services.
The ANC's position
ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has said the party will not rush into coalitions and that opposition is an option. The ANC's Top Seven officials and its National Executive Committee, which is due to meet on Thursday 12 November, are expected to set its approach.
Separate, unconfirmed reports say Ramaphosa has raised stepping down as ANC president. The ANC's national spokesperson has said she is not aware of such a discussion, and the Presidency has not confirmed it.
What we do not yet know
- Whether the MK Party will make Ramaphosa's exit a formal demand in any talks.
- How the ANC will respond to Malema's proposed bloc.
- Whether the SACP, which has said there is no automatic support for any party, would join.
