There are many good reasons why the DA and Cosatu should find themselves at the same table and work together for the benefit of South Africa. And yet, there are almost as many reasons why such coalition will not work.

The biggest and most powerful city in Africa is plagued by a billing crisis, which is a national disgrace. Not only does it make a mockery of Joburg’s vaunted claims to being a “world-class African city”, but now threatens to have its mayor tied up in court battle after court battle. And all this despite a series of simple fixes waiting in the wings.