“I’m Tired of the DA” President Cyril Ramaphosa Breaks Silence

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has reportedly expressed frustration with the Democratic Alliance (DA), telling members of the African National Congress (ANC) National Executive Committee (NEC) that he is tired of the party amid growing tensions within the government of national unity (GNU).

According to a report by the Sunday Times published on Sunday, 15 November 2026, Ramaphosa voiced his dissatisfaction during an ANC leadership meeting earlier this week, reportedly accusing the DA of constantly questioning ANC policies and taking the governing party to court over its decisions.

The reported remarks come at a particularly sensitive moment, as the ANC and DA prepare for crucial coalition negotiations following the November 4 local government elections, which significantly weakened the ANC’s position across several municipalities.

The ANC’s electoral performance has intensified internal discussions about whether its partnership with the DA remains politically beneficial, particularly as the governing party struggles to retain support in key metropolitan areas.

Sources within the ANC reportedly indicated that several NEC members questioned the value of continuing the relationship with the DA, with some arguing that the partnership had made it increasingly difficult for the ANC to explain its political decisions to its traditional support base.

There are also concerns within the governing party that the DA continues to oppose important elements of the ANC’s transformation agenda, creating disagreements that have affected relations between the two parties.

Ramaphosa is also reportedly unhappy with DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis, particularly over his attempts to communicate directly with the president concerning coalition discussions.

According to an ANC insider quoted by the publication, Ramaphosa was irritated by Hill-Lewis’s efforts to bypass Luthuli House, with the president reportedly directing him to communicate with the ANC’s national headquarters instead.

The tensions have raised questions about the future of the government of national unity, which was established after the 2024 national elections when the ANC lost its parliamentary majority.

Although the arrangement brought together political parties with significantly different ideological positions, the partnership was initially presented as an opportunity to promote political stability, economic growth and cooperation.

However, disagreements over policy, governance and political priorities have increasingly exposed the difficulties of maintaining the arrangement.

The ANC is now reportedly considering alternative coalition arrangements, with ActionSA emerging as one of the parties that some senior ANC figures would prefer to work with instead of the DA.

Among the options being discussed are broader local government coalitions, partnerships involving ActionSA and other smaller parties, and confidence-and-supply agreements that could allow minority administrations to govern with support from other parties.

Despite the growing dissatisfaction, the ANC has reportedly adopted a position of tactical flexibility, meaning it will continue engaging different political parties without completely excluding the DA from negotiations.

ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu confirmed that the party would engage all political parties represented in municipalities, adding that the ANC’s concerns about the DA’s conduct were already well documented.

Meanwhile, the DA has maintained that it remains committed to negotiating in good faith, insisting that coalition discussions should focus on service delivery and improving people’s lives rather than political competition.

DA federal council chair Ashor Sarupen said the party had been engaging political formations on principles aimed at stabilising government and improving basic services.

The latest developments could have significant implications for South Africa’s political landscape, particularly as coalition negotiations determine the leadership of major municipalities, including Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni.

For Ramaphosa and the ANC, the challenge is finding a coalition strategy that protects the party’s political interests without creating further instability in government.

Whether the ANC eventually distances itself from the DA or continues with the government of national unity remains uncertain. However, the reported comments from Ramaphosa suggest that the relationship between the country’s two largest political parties is facing another serious test.

Source: https://x.com/ZANewsFlash/status/2121920757483638981?a=zH1Y_tNAiBQKR5zAKZY&s=19