The African National Congress (ANC) has announced intentions to recalibrate the Government of National Unity (GNU) by engaging with additional political parties, following the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) opposition to the 2025 National Budget. Despite this move, the DA and Freedom Front Plus (FF+) will remain within the GNU for the time being.
ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula addressed the media at Luthuli House, emphasizing that any alterations to the GNU’s composition would require a decision from the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC). He stated, “The NEC adopted the position of the GNU and nothing has changed in relation to that.”
The DA’s recent vote against the Budget Fiscal Framework, particularly opposing the proposed 0.5% increase in Value Added Tax (VAT), has intensified tensions within the coalition. Mbalula acknowledged the complexities introduced by the GNU structure, noting the necessity for more extensive consultations on budgetary matters due to the ANC’s loss of a parliamentary majority. He remarked, “We’ve entered uncharted waters. There was never such a laborious, elaborate process of consultation on budget issues before.”
Deputy President Paul Mashatile criticized DA ministers for continuing their official duties after rejecting the budget, questioning their commitment to the GNU. He commented, “I would be ashamed to do that because where does the budget come from?”
In response, the Freedom Front Plus cautioned that expelling dissenting parties from the GNU could lead to negative market reactions and economic instability. FF+ Chairperson Wouter Wessels stated, “We believe that the markets will react very negatively. We believe that it will create instability.”
As the ANC explores the possibility of bringing new parties into the GNU, the future role of the DA within the coalition remains uncertain. The ANC’s National Working Committee is set to deliberate on potential changes, with any decisions subject to NEC approval.
