ANC secretary-general, Fikile Mbalula, has responded to the Democratic Alliance’s threats of exiting the Government of National Unity (GNU), cautioning that other parties were at the door, ready to join the government.
Mbalula was addressing the third day of the OR Tambo Regional Conference in the Eastern Cape over the weekend.
“The DA can pack their things and leave but on their way out, they will meet others coming in…
“Even if the DA walks away, the GNU will not collapse. Other [parties] are already knocking at the door to join GNU. The GNU is powerful, it finishes you without realising,” he said.
Tensions within South Africa’s GNU have escalated following the dismissal of Andrew Whitfield, Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, amid allegations of an unauthorised international trip.
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to remove Whitfield, a senior DA member, triggered a swift response from the party.
While confirming its continued participation in the GNU, the DA announced it would withdraw from the National Dialogue process — a key platform for inter-party consultation and cooperation.
The party has also not ruled out the possibility of tabling a motion of no confidence against President Ramaphosa.
Mbalula responded by accusing the DA of manoeuvring for an exit from the unity government.
He maintained that the GNU would remain stable and functional, even in the event of the DA’s departure.
This latest dispute adds to a series of internal frictions that have plagued the GNU since its inception a year ago, casting doubt over the coalition’s long-term viability.
Meanwhile, opposition parties outside the GNU — including the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party — have signalled a willingness to join the coalition should the DA withdraw.
Both parties criticised the DA’s participation in the GNU, accusing it of advancing the interests of South Africa’s white minority at the expense of black communities.
Politics
