South African opposition parties have started talks on an alliance aimed at challenging the African National Congress in local polls in 2011 but they face an uphill struggle.
The ANC still enjoys political mileage from its fight against apartheid, demonstrated by its sweeping victory in a national election in April.
But an alliance of eight opposition parties is hoping to join together and capitalise on growing frustrations over crime, education, health care and electricity. In July violent township riots erupted over slow delivery of those services.
"Many of us feel the ANC is veering away from the commitments made during our democratic transition," said Mosiuoa Lekota, leader of the Congress of the People (COPE) party formed by ANC dissidents ahead of April's poll.
"It is therefore important to consolidate the voice of the opposition so we can effectively present alternative policy positions," he told Reuters.
Frustrations
Since taking office in May, President Jacob Zuma has had to steer the country through its first recession in 17 years and deal with the township protests as well as a series of strikes staged by union allies who helped his rise.
"Zuma came into power at a terrible time. He is caught up in service delivery protests and has to try to retain some kind of monetary policy in the face of a global recession," said Sanusha Naidu, a political analyst.
She said while the public liked his "hands-on approach" they want visible signs of change.
"People are frustrated. The riots are saying, 'we brought you to power now we hold you accountable'. South Africa's strong culture of protest during the anti-apartheid movement is now something that the ANC government will have to face."
Bantu Holomisa, head of the United Democratic Movement (UDM) and also an ANC defector, said, "The ANC is having a free ride. If we can talk in unity ... then the ANC will begin to wake up and see we demand change," he said.
Even so, opposition parties have scored limited gains, their plans are vague and a strong pact could take years to form and a comprehensive agreement on policies is unlikely.
"Opposition parties would cooperate on a limited number of issues such as the defence of the constitution and the institutions of democracy," Lekota said.
No mergers
Merging parties, which could create a stronger opposition front, is not an option because it would mean giving up seats in national and provincial parliaments.
"Mergers are out of the question but there is room for co-operation, coalitions and alliances," said Patricia de Lille, leader of the Independent Democrats (ID).
Instead, Lekota said parties were discussing pooling voter support for an agreed candidate rather than dividing the opposition ballot in the next local government election.
"The opposition is so fragmented. We are basically competing among ourselves for the same opposition votes. If we work together, maybe we can take over municipalities," de Lille said.
Justin Sylvester, political analyst at Idasa, said a united opposition could also inadvertently strengthen the ruling party.
"The ANC has not been challenged as much as it was in this past election, this was of course the perceived challenge of COPE. This mobilised the ANC into overdrive with its election campaign," he said.
Reuters
