As South Africa's parliament prepares to convene for the first time since the African National Congress (ANC) lost its majority in the recent elections, coalition negotiations are ongoing. The ANC, which secured 40% of the vote, needs support from other parties to maintain Cyril Ramaphosa as president.

Breakthrough and Challenges

The ANC has reported a "breakthrough" in forming a government of national unity but has withheld details. Meanwhile, the main opposition Democratic Alliance (DA), which won 22% of the vote, has indicated that major aspects of a framework deal are concluded, though some key issues remain unresolved.

Parliamentary Vote

One of parliament's first tasks will be a secret vote on Ramaphosa’s presidency. Despite the incomplete coalition deal, he is expected to be re-elected. ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula noted ongoing discussions with various political parties, hinting at a shift towards the political center as left-wing breakaway groups have refused to join.

Coalition Dynamics

The pro-business DA has agreed to form a government of national unity, but cooperation details with the ANC are still under negotiation. The DA, representing mainly racial minorities, advocates free market economics, which contrasts with the ANC’s left-wing stance. This potential alliance has stirred controversy among ANC activists.

Key Parties and Positions

The Zulu nationalist Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), with 4% of the vote, has agreed to join the coalition. However, the third and fourth largest parties, former President Jacob Zuma's uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) and Julius Malema's Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), have declined. MK demanded Ramaphosa’s resignation, which the ANC rejected, while the EFF opposed any coalition involving the DA, accusing it of an "imperialist agenda."

Both MK and EFF called for constitutional changes to allow nationalization of land and banks, a stance opposed by Ramaphosa and the ANC.

As the clock ticks down to the parliamentary session, the ANC continues to negotiate coalition terms to secure Ramaphosa’s presidency and stabilize the government following a historic election loss.