Talks had been initiated between the Democratic Alliance and the Economic Freedom Fighters over the control of Johannesburg and Tshwane, which includes the capital, Pretoria.
However; ideological differences stood in the way of the efforts by the two parties to form a coalition government.
The Democratic Alliance emerged as the biggest party in Tshwane but fell short of an outright majority to take control of the council on in its own.
In Johannesburg, the DA trailed the African National Congress, but could gain an overall majority in coalition with the EFF, led by the JULIUS MALEMA.
The ANC has been in control of South Africa since the end of apartheid, suffered heavy losses in the local government elections last month.
