The African National Congress (ANC) has firmly rejected the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) ultimatum to President Cyril Ramaphosa, dismissing it as an attempt to destabilize the Government of National Unity (GNU). The ANC’s response comes after the DA demanded the removal of two ministers—Human Settlements Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi and Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande—or face repercussions, including a potential motion of no confidence against Ramaphosa.
ANC: DA Undermining Dialogue and GNU
ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri, speaking during a live broadcast, emphasized South Africa’s history of negotiation and consensus-building, referencing the country’s transition from apartheid to democracy. She accused the DA of violating the GNU’s Statement of Intent by opposing key transformation policies, including land reform, the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act, and employment equity laws.
“The DA has campaigned against redress policies, taken them to court, and even lobbied foreign entities to undermine them,” Bhengu-Motsiri stated. “They cannot claim commitment to the GNU while actively working against its foundational agreements.”
DA’s Ultimatum and ANC’s Rebuttal
The DA’s ultimatum follows Ramaphosa’s removal of DA MP Andrew Whitfield as deputy minister of police, a move the ANC defended as justified due to Whitfield’s alleged misconduct. The DA, however, framed it as political retribution and demanded accountability for Kubayi and Nzimande, both facing separate controversies.
Bhengu-Motsiri dismissed the DA’s demands, asserting that due processes were underway for both ministers. She warned that if the DA tables a no-confidence motion, it would amount to “walking out of the GNU.”
“You cannot be part of a family while trying to disown its leadership,” she said, signaling the ANC’s readiness to rally support against such a motion.
GNU Future in Jeopardy?
The ANC acknowledged tensions within the GNU but stressed its commitment to stability. Bhengu-Motsiri revealed that the party’s National Working Committee would meet next week to assess the DA’s actions and their implications for governance.
Meanwhile, the ANC reiterated that the GNU is not a coalition but an ANC-led initiative, challenging the DA to clarify whether it remains a governing partner or an opposition within the executive.
Political Reactions
Political analysts suggest the DA’s hardline stance risks isolating it further, particularly if other GNU parties like the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) and Patriotic Alliance (PA) side with the ANC. The DA’s refusal to participate in Ramaphosa’s upcoming national dialogue on economic reforms has also drawn criticism, with the ANC labeling it “anti-transformation.”
What’s Next?
With Ramaphosa set to travel to Spain for a diplomatic engagement, the ANC has urged him to proceed, dismissing the DA’s ultimatum as “political gamesmanship.” However, the looming NEC meeting in July could determine whether the GNU survives or fractures under mounting pressure.
Bottom Line: The ANC has drawn a line in the sand, leaving the DA with a choice: collaborate within the GNU’s framework or face exclusion. South Africa’s fragile unity government now hangs in the balance.