Amid continued talks about the future of the Government of National Unity, both the ANC and the DA have signalled their commitment to the coalition, even as the two parties accuse one another of breaching the statement of intent.
The ANC has called for a “reset” in relations within the coalition and promised to re-engage all GNU partners. The DA, for its part, is pressing for meaningful dialogue on a reform agenda that prioritizes delivery over ideology.
During an ANC briefing yesterday, Secretary General Fikile Mbalula stated that they are talking to all parties, both inside and outside of the GNU, on the way forward on the budget and the coalition, adding that the GNU would not collapse if the DA decided to leave.
In a statement issued after the briefing, the ANC said they are “deeply concerned by the conduct of the DA, whose participation in the GNU has been marred by double-dealing, negotiating and acting in bad faith, and open disdain for transformation.”
The party’s view is that the DA is acting outside of the GNU as an opposition force —
opposing the BELA Act, the NHI, and the Land Expropriation Amendment.
“It seeks to divide government, confuse the public, and claim credit without assuming responsibility. This dishonesty undermines the very essence of collective governance.”
It all stems from the DA’s decision to vote against the fiscal framework in Parliament, which will see a 0.5% VAT hike come into effect this year. During earlier negotiations with the ANC, with a deal that was reportedly on the verge of being struck, the DA said it would support the VAT hike – but only if it was paired with a series of reforms aimed at accelerating economic growth and stabilizing the country’s fiscal position.
The deal reportedly collapsed at the last minute due to ActionSA and other smaller parties offering it support to the ANC to pass the budget.
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The DA says the ANC must share power after losing its majority in the elections.
“The DA has been clear and consistent about our position on VAT inside government and outside government. Not once has the DA gone outside of the GNU to lobby support for our position, which is what the ANC did, defining itself outside the GNU.”
Despite the growing discord, Steenhuisen says the DA remains committed to further talks with the ANC.
The ANC has called for a “reset” in relations within the coalition and promised to re-engage all GNU partners. The DA, for its part, is pressing for meaningful dialogue on a reform agenda that prioritizes delivery over ideology.