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Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen said the party has not decided whether it will remain in the Government of National Unity (GNU) .<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWhether we stay in the GNU or not is a matter for the federal executive to decide,\u201d Steenhuisen told the media in Phoenix during the party\u2019s campaign in KwaZulu-Natal.<\/span><\/p>\n Steenhuisen confirmed that the DA held an initial meeting of its Federal Executive over Thursday and Friday, but no decision has been made. “The FedEx will continue to meet and assess the current situation.”<\/span><\/p>\n This comes after the government, led by the <\/span>African National Congress (ANC) passed the 2025 National Budget without the DA\u2019s support.<\/span><\/p>\n This follows the passing of the controversial 2025 National Budget by the ANC-led government, which received support from smaller parties, including those outside the GNU. In response, the DA has filed court papers challenging the budget\u2019s passage.<\/span><\/p>\n Steenhuisen also mentioned that he received letters from business leaders expressing concern over the country\u2019s future, citing potential instability if a minority government were to form. “There could be a minority government that would function from parliamentary sitting to parliamentary sitting, with uncertainty about whether there is a majority,” he said. “That’s no way to run a government. We need to ensure that whatever we’re doing is in the best interest of the country.”<\/span><\/p>\n He emphasised that the DA\u2019s federal executive is waiting to see how events unfold before making a final decision. <\/span><\/p>\n “I can’t answer your question about whether we\u2019re in or out yet. At this stage, we\u2019re waiting to see how things unfold,” Steenhuisen said.<\/span><\/p>\n Earlier, News reported that ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula criticised the DA for not supporting the 2025 National Budget, calling the party \u201carrogant and disrespectful.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThe arrogance of the DA needs to be addressed. They are arrogant, and that\u2019s all I can say. They are arrogant and have no respect,\u201d Mbalula said at the ANC\u2019s smart membership card rollout in Diepsloot on Friday. <\/span><\/p>\n Mbalula expressed frustration over the DA\u2019s actions in the GNU after voting against the budget. He suggested the DA must now decide whether to remain in the coalition.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThe ball is in the DA\u2019s court. They\u2019ve chosen their path, and they must analyse and decide on the implications,\u201d Mbalula said.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cIf you say you don\u2019t want a budget at all costs, you walk, and nobody said you must walk. It cannot be our burden. They\u2019ve decided.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Mbalula added that the DA\u2019s refusal to support the budget indicates the party is no longer aligned with the ANC-led GNU.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cIt is their burden. They must answer for it. If you don\u2019t participate in a process to formulate a budget and the budget passes, what does it mean for you? You can\u2019t have it both ways. But it\u2019s not our burden, it\u2019s theirs,\u201d Mbalula said.<\/span><\/p>\n simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za<\/span><\/p>\n Politics<\/strong><\/p>\n Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen said the party has not decided whether it will remain in the Government of National Unity (GNU) . \u201cWhether we stay in the GNU or not is a matter for the federal executive to decide,\u201d Steenhuisen told the media in Phoenix during the party\u2019s campaign in KwaZulu-Natal. Steenhuisen confirmed […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[18],"tags":[6222,18166,1875,406,7345,7064],"class_list":["post-236574","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","category-politics","tag-decide","tag-gnu039","tag-john","tag-leader","tag-remain","tag-steenhuisen"],"yoast_head":"\n
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