Political analyst Ongama Mtimka has revealed that some African National Congress (ANC) members are growing uneasy over how the Government of National Unity (GNU) is altering the party’s internal power structures.
Mtimka’s comments followed ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa’s closing address after a four-day National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting. He noted that calls had been made within the party to review the GNU arrangement, with some members expressing concerns that the coalition is shifting the ANC’s traditional decision-making processes.
“There are concerns being raised by some within the ANC that this context of the government of national unity is reorienting the culture of the ANC when it comes to who gets to retain office and who gets to be kicked out of office,” Mtimka said.
He pointed to the swift removal of certain cabinet ministers who had “fallen from grace” as an example, suggesting that such decisions were being made faster than under normal circumstances. Additionally, he referenced recent tensions over budget negotiations, indicating that these developments have fueled internal debates.
“This must be read within the context of an ANC that is beginning to have some of its members raise questions about the strategic correctness of being in the GNU,” Mtimka added.
The analyst also cautioned that other GNU partners should recognize that each party communicates differently with its own supporters about the necessity of the coalition.
The remarks highlight growing friction within the ANC as it navigates the complexities of shared governance, raising questions about the future stability of the GNU arrangement.