The African National Congress (ANC) has postponed its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting to allow the National Working Committee (NWC) to assess the state of the Government of National Unity (GNU), amid escalating tensions with the Democratic Alliance (DA).
The relationship between the ANC and the DA has deteriorated sharply over disputes involving the national budget and the dismissal of a DA deputy minister. In retaliation, the DA has blocked the budgets of departments led by ANC ministers accused of corruption, including Thembi Simelane and Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane.
ANC Considers Expelling DA from GNU
Some ANC NEC members are pushing for the party’s highest decision-making body to remove the DA from the GNU, accusing it of acting as an opposition force within government. Key grievances include the DA’s resistance to the budget, its opposition to national dialogue, and its divergence from President Cyril Ramaphosa’s foreign policy stance.
ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula confirmed the postponement, stating that the party needs time for “thorough political work” on the GNU’s stability, alliance relations (particularly with the South African Communist Party), and economic challenges.
“The National Working Committee resolved that the NEC meeting should be postponed to allow for deeper reflection on the state of the GNU and our alliance relations,” Mbalula said.
Ramaphosa Warns Against Disruptions
President Ramaphosa has previously cautioned ANC members against antagonizing the DA, warning that doing so would be a “grave mistake.” However, in a recent interview, he indicated that the DA must decide for itself whether it remains committed to the GNU.
“Any party that does not act in accordance with the statement of intent [of the GNU] will need to decide on its own whether it wants to continue participating,” Ramaphosa said.
DA Weighs No-Confidence Motion Against Ramaphosa
As tensions escalate, the DA is reportedly considering a motion of no confidence against the president, while the ANC NEC prepares to discuss punitive measures against its coalition partner.
The ANC’s upcoming NEC meeting, expected in the next few weeks, will be a decisive moment for the GNU’s future. With some ANC leaders advocating for the DA’s removal and the DA threatening retaliatory action, South Africa’s fragile coalition government faces its most serious crisis yet.