“GNU will not collapse without DA,” says Mbalula as coalition tensions rise. Image: IOL.
(The Post News)– African National Congress (ANC) secretary general Fikile Mbalula has strongly proclaimed the Government of National Unity’s (GNU) stability without the Democratic Alliance (DA), responding to recent ultimatums by the DA to exit the GNU. He made his statement during the OR Tambo Regional Conference in the Eastern Cape, clarifying that the ANC’s position is that the GNU is not reliant on any single political party for its longevity.
In his speech, Mbalula noted that if the DA decides to leave the GNU, it will be easily replaced by another party, as other parties have already shown interest in joining. The sentiments come amid fueling tensions within South Africa’s GNU, following the dismissal of Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition Andrew Whitfield, a senior DA member, for embarking on an unauthorized week-long international trip to the United States, which had taken place earlier this year. President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision sparked a backlash from the DA, which has since withdrawn from the National Dialogue platform, a key mechanism for inter-party cooperation.
Regardless of this, the DA upholds its formal participation in the GNU; however, it has not ruled out the possibility of proposing a motion of no confidence against Ramaphosa. Mbalula, nevertheless, dismisses the significance of the DA’s threats, insisting on GNU stability without DA involvement.
The ongoing debate adds to the increasing dissension that has afflicted the GNU since its inception, raising apprehensions over the coalition’s long-term cohesion. Still unshaken, Mbalula remains confident in the resilience of the GNU structure, once more reinforcing the theme of GNU stability without the DA.
In turn, opposition parties such as the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party have signaled their inclination to join the GNU if the DA steps down. Away. Both parties have condemned the DA’s participation, accusing it of safeguarding white minority interests at the expense of the Black majority.
As tensions escalate, the discourse now advances to President Ramaphosa and his capacity to manage coalition politics, maintain GNU stability without DA backing, and keep South Africa’s governance steady during a period of high political uncertainty.
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