The 14-day deadline is drawing closer for council meetings to elect speakers and mayors after local government elections on August 3.

Economic Freedom Fighters secretary general, Godrich Gardhee, kept his lips sealed on Tuesday when News24 asked him in Rustenburg about who the EFF would enter into coalitions with. He said the EFF would make an announcement on Wednesday.

Rumours and speculation have been rife since the African National Congress lost its 50% majority in Tshwane and Johannesburg during the 2016 local elections.

The EFF are said to have become kingmakers in those councils with the Democratic Alliance and ANC appearing to be wooing the young party into a coalition.

DA leader Mmusi Maimane gave no response when journalists questioned him on coalition announcements other than to say that the DA too would make its announcement on Wednesday, during its own press conference.

United Democratic Movement leader, Bantu Holomisa, said parties in coalition talks should make their decisions as soon as possible so that the process can move forward.

"We need to know our limitations as smaller parties. That is why I pray that the ANC, DA and EFF can be quicker in announcing their agreements," Holomisa, who is facilitating coalition talks for the smaller parties, told journalists.

Former Cosatu secretary general, Zwelinzima Vavi, who was seen sharing a light moment with EFF chairperson Dali Mpofu, said his advice to the EFF was: "Don't do something that will haunt you in the future."

- News24.com