‘I’m tired of the DA’: Ramaphosa vents amid coalition tensions

Share current article via EmailShare current article via FacebookShare current article via TwitterShare current article via LinkedInLizeka TandwaDigital Politics Editor

Opens in new windowOpens in new windowOpens in new windowOpens in new windowKgothatso MadisaJournalist

Opens in new windowOpens in new windowOpens in new windowOpens in new windowSisanda MbolekwaPolitics reporter

Opens in new windowOpens in new windowOpens in new windowOpens in new windowThabo MokoneParliamentary editor

Opens in new windowOpens in new windowOpens in new windowOpens in new windowEnter fullscreen mode displaying this image.ExpandThe ANC and the DA go into their coalition negotiations today with a cloud hanging over the future of the government of national unity. ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa is reportedly “tired of the DA” because the blue party constantly second-guesses the ANC’s policies and drags it to court.

He apparently vented his frustration to the party’s national executive committee (NEC) at a meeting this week.

The revelations come as the ANC and DA prepare to enter coalition negotiations today (Sunday).

A cloud hangs over the future of the government of national unity (GNU), with calls for the arrangement to be reviewed emerging from the ANC’s NEC meeting this week.

NEC insiders said Ramaphosa supported the view that partnerships with the DA at municipal level should be avoided.

An ANC insider said the president was irritated by DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis’s attempts to bypass Luthuli House and speak to him directly.

“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 insider said Hill-Lewis had further annoyed ANC leaders when he told journalists that he wished Ramaphosa would take a more active role in coalition negotiations.

ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu said: “The ANC is holding formal talks with all political parties that have a share of the vote in municipalities. The national negotiations team, led by secretary-general Fikile Mbalula, is overseeing this centralised process. The ANC’s misgivings about the DA’s overall conduct are well documented. However, the ANC will meet the DA on 15 November 2026.”