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The Democratic Alliance says it will not go into a coalition partnership in Nelson Mandela Bay while there are Council matters that need to be ironed out.
The DA briefed the media on the party's position regarding the future of Nelson Mandela Bay on Monday.
Provincial Chairperson Andrew Whitfield says while the DA isn't ruling out returning to government, it does not want to make rash decisions that will cause future instability.
Whitfield says one of the issues Council needs to resolve is the appointment of a city manager - a matter the Gqeberha High Court left in the hands of Council.
The battle for the city manager's position between Dr Noxolo Nqwazi and Anele Qaba has been ongoing since last month.
Dr Nqwazi was elected as a city manager at a heated and chaotic council meeting where councillors staged a walk-out.
Qaba's appointment happened a week later at another meeting where a majority of councillors attended - apart from those from the ANC.
The DA now says if this issue isn't resolved at a planned meeting on Tuesday then it will turn to the city's high court again to seek a declaratory order.
Whitfield told the media that the DA would form a coalition government if parties sign a coalition agreement to avoid future instability in the Metro.
"We will go into a coalition where we believe there is a more-than-even chance of putting together a stable government that can fulfil our electoral mandate," he said.
"The situation in Nelson Mandela Bay unique and will require 10 parties to establish a majority coalition."
Meanwhile, the DA has put plans for the removal of Executive Mayor Eugene Johnson and the Chief Whip through motions of no confidence on hold.
Earlier this month, opposition parties and the ANC's coalition partners submitted a petition to the Metro Corporate Services requesting a special council meeting on Thursday.
Whitfield says the party has engaged with other opposition parties on postponing the motions as tabling them would add to the uncertainty and instability in the Metro.
However, Freedom Front Plus caucus leader Bill Harington seems to hold a different view to that of the DA.
He's of the view that there is no better chance of taking over government than while the Metro is in a time of crisis.
"The residents are left in the hands of the ANC and service delivery will suffer," he said.
"So we will have to work harder to hold the ANC accountable for providing the services. However, we will also have to work harder to convince those in our circle that it will depend on a collective partnership coalition to save the Metro from total ruin."
The Economic Freedom Fighters have slammed the DA's last-minute u-turn after signing the petition, stating that the DA is not ready to govern and never have been.
EFF Councillor Khanya Ngqisha says in essence the DA wants the status quo and chaos to continue in The Bay.
"All of a sudden they say they are not ready because of certain issues but if you are a leader in politics you take the baton and you make things better for the affected citizens."
