Ashley Mama signals broad coalition push in Johannesburg, with one big exception

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Al Jama-ah’s mayoral candidate for Joburg, Ashley Mama, has expressed the party’s openness to collaborate with all political parties after the local government elections scheduled for November 4.

However, this willingness to cooperate explicitly excludes the Democratic Alliance (DA), indicating a clear stance against forming any alliances with this specific party.

Mama argues that coalition governments are likely to be a prominent aspect of South African politics in the foreseeable future, especially in large urban areas like Johannesburg.

He emphasizes the necessity for political parties to collaborate while staying committed to their core values.

Speaking at the manifesto launch of Al Jama-ah in Orlando East, Soweto, Mama said the party’s position on Israel and Palestine ruled out any working arrangement with the DA.

“We will speak to all parties except one. Al Jama-ah is diametrically opposed to Zionists. Period. We stand with the people of Palestine. We don’t receive any Israeli funds. The only party we won’t work with is the DA. All other parties, we are completely open to engaging with,” Mama said.

He said South Africa was still adjusting to coalition politics and that the future of municipal governance would depend on parties’ ability to find common ground.

“Anyone who tells you otherwise would be lying. Coalitions are here to stay for the next 30 years,” he said.

Johannesburg’s current coalition includes the ANC, EFF, PA, AIC, IFP and Al Jama-ah, reflecting the multiparty arrangements that have shaped the city’s administration.

Al Jama-ah currently holds three seats in the City of Johannesburg but is aiming to increase that number to 10 in the upcoming elections.

Mama targets wider support

Mama stated that he was working on the ground to expand the party’s support and strengthen its representation in the metro.

“Al Jama-ah had three seats before the Ashley Mama effect entered. I’m on the ground aiming. I don’t know the potential of what we can have, but we’re aiming for 10 seats,” he remarked.

The party hopes an increase in seats will strengthen its voice in council and enable it to play a greater role in decisions affecting Johannesburg residents.

Al Jama-ah has previously produced two mayors in Johannesburg: Thapelo Amad, who served from January to April 2023, and Kabelo Gwamanda, who held office from May 2023 until his resignation in August 2024.

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The party believes that, should the opportunity arise after the elections, it has the right candidate in Mama to become its third mayor of Johannesburg.

With its sights set on 10 council seats, Al Jama-ah is preparing to build on its previous experience in municipal leadership while remaining firm on the political principles that will guide its choice of partners.