Since the 2021 November local government elections, South Africa has 71 of its 213 local municipalities and metros governed by coalitions.

Of these coalition governments, 15 have changed mayors three or more times in less than three years. Four are metros: Nelson Mandela Bay, Ekurhuleni, Johannesburg and Tshwane. These are home to 14-million people, about one-quarter of South Africa’s population.

In some of these metros, coalition in-fighting saw the installation of mayors from smaller parties. Al Jama-ah mayor Kabelo Gwamanda governs Johannesburg. His political party holds three of the Joburg council’s 270 seats.

In Nelson Mandela Bay, Northern Alliance mayor Gary van Niekerk’s party holds three of the 120 seats. The municipalities with five mayors in less than 3 years are Metsimaholo in the Free State, Johannesburg in Gauteng and Beaufort West in the Western Cape.