The Democratic Alliance’s (DA) decision to withdraw from the National Dialogue has drawn sharp criticism from Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema, who accused the party of failing to respect President Cyril Ramaphosa and government protocols.
Malema’s remarks came in response to the DA’s recent ultimatum to the president over the removal of its member of Parliament, Andrew Whitfield, as Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry.
“They have no reason to complain,” Malema said. “They went into a marriage knowing very well that they were joining a corrupt government. These are unnecessary threats.”
The EFF leader argued that if the DA was truly committed to fighting corruption and serving the poor, it should have allowed the African National Congress (ANC) to govern as a minority party rather than joining the government of national unity (GNU).
“If the DA was anti-corruption, pro-poor, and committed to restoring the dignity of our people, they should have allowed the ANC to govern as a minority party,” Malema stated. “There was nothing forcing them to go into government. They should have stood outside and continued to oppose the ANC if they wanted to.”
Malema further criticized the DA for attempting to oppose the government while being part of it, saying, “You cannot oppose the government you are part of. Whatever decision Ramaphosa takes, they are part of that decision because they chose to be part of this mess.”
He also condemned the DA for what he described as disregarding presidential authority, referencing reports that some DA members had traveled overseas without the president’s permission.
“How do you become part of government and travel overseas without the president’s permission? That is not government—that is anarchy,” Malema said. “When you are punished in line with the president’s responsibilities, you complain. They just want to run as if they are their own government.”
Malema concluded by insisting that the DA must either respect the presidency and government protocols or leave the GNU entirely.
“If they don’t want this mess, they must stay outside and allow the ANC to form a minority government,” he said. “Then we can all oppose it collectively.”
The DA has yet to respond to Malema’s latest comments, but tensions within the GNU continue to escalate as political parties clash over governance and accountability.