Ramaphosa Reportedly Loses Patience With DA as Tensions Rise Within Government

South African politics has been hit by signs of tension between the African National Congress (ANC) and the Democratic Alliance (DA), with President Cyril Ramaphosa reportedly expressing frustration with his government of national unity partner as coalition negotiations begin.

A Sunday Times report published on November 15, 2026, says Ramaphosa told the ANC’s national executive committee (NEC) that he was “tired of the DA”. People familiar with the meeting reportedly said the president was unhappy with what he viewed as the DA’s challenges to ANC policies and its decision to take government positions to court.

One issue involved DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis and his attempts to speak directly to Ramaphosa. An ANC insider told the publication that the president was irritated because Hill-Lewis had approached him instead of following the established communication channel through Luthuli House.

“The president … even blue-ticked his requests for an audience after the elections. The president has told him … party matters are addressed at Luthuli House,” the insider said.

The report also said Hill-Lewis had frustrated ANC leaders by telling journalists that he wanted Ramaphosa to play a more active role in coalition negotiations. The disagreement reportedly goes beyond meeting arrangements, with policy differences and the DA’s criticism of ANC decisions adding to the strain.

The ANC and DA are due to hold coalition discussions on Sunday, November 15, amid uncertainty over the Government of National Unity (GNU). The ANC’s NEC has reportedly debated reviewing the arrangement, while some party figures have argued that the DA should be a last option when forming local coalitions.

ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu said the party was holding formal talks with all political parties represented in municipalities. She said the national negotiating team, led by secretary-general Fikile Mbalula, was overseeing the process. Bhengu added that the ANC’s concerns about the DA’s conduct were “well documented” and confirmed that the two parties would meet on November 15.

The reported frustration comes against a difficult political backdrop. Recent local elections left many councils without an outright majority, forcing parties to negotiate partnerships to elect mayors and establish administrations. The ANC’s weakened electoral position has also intensified debate about whether cooperation with the DA is helping or hurting its political standing.

For now, the claims about Ramaphosa’s personal frustration are based on accounts from unnamed ANC insiders, not a public statement from the president. The disagreement highlights the challenges facing two parties that must work together nationally while competing at local level.

Do you think the ANC and DA can overcome their differences and keep the Government of National Unity stable, or are these tensions a warning sign of a bigger political split? Share your views in the comment section.

Source: https://x.com/MDNnewss/status/2121906827298304197?a=2WgIiLIxkyFbGBiPfbA&s=19

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