The African National Congress (ANC) has reiterated its unwavering support for President Cyril Ramaphosa and the Government of National Unity (GNU) amid threats from the Democratic Alliance (DA) to table a motion of no confidence.
The closing session of the ANC’s OR Tambo Regional Conference in Mthatha saw Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula delivering a robust defense of Ramaphosa’s leadership, particularly in response to the DA’s objections over the removal of its deputy minister from the GNU cabinet.
“No Government Run by Ultimatums”
Mbalula dismissed the DA’s threats, stating that the GNU—comprising 10 parties—could not be dictated to by one political group. “Government is not run by ultimatums,” he declared. “If the DA wants to leave, they can leave. But we will not be blackmailed.”
The SG emphasized that the president had acted within his executive powers and consulted DA leader John Steenhuisen before making changes to the cabinet. “The president is the president,” Mbalula asserted. “His decisions stand, and the ANC fully supports him.”
DA’s Motion of No Confidence: A Potential Exit from GNU
Responding to the DA’s threat to propose a motion of no confidence against Ramaphosa, Mbalula warned that such a move would effectively eject the party from the GNU. “If they do that, they are out,” he said. “The ANC will then decide how to proceed.”
He accused the DA of destabilizing the GNU by repeatedly threatening to withdraw over disagreements. “You can’t run a relationship on blackmail,” Mbalula said. “We are not being respected. Every time there’s a difference, they threaten to walk away.”
Defending National Dialogue
The ANC also rejected DA claims that the proposed national dialogue was a ploy to “capture power.” Mbalula clarified that the initiative, supported by civil society, was meant to foster unity and address socio-economic challenges. “This is about South Africans, not political parties,” he said.
Ramaphosa’s Cancelled Trip
Mbalula defended Ramaphosa’s decision to cancel an international engagement to address the DA’s political maneuvering, stating that the president had to prioritize stability. “He couldn’t be abroad while a party threatened to collapse the GNU,” he explained.
Conclusion: ANC Unshaken
The ANC remains steadfast in backing Ramaphosa, with Mbalula affirming that the party would not yield to pressure. “We are not moved by threats,” he said. “Our focus is on serving South Africa.”
As tensions escalate, the future of the GNU hangs in the balance, with the DA’s next move set to determine whether the fragile coalition holds or fractures.