Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen has firmly opposed the idea of expanding South Africa’s Government of National Unity (GNU), arguing that adding more parties—particularly the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF)—would worsen existing tensions rather than foster stability.
Steenhuisen’s remarks come amid speculation that the African National Congress (ANC) is considering broadening the GNU to include additional parties. The DA leader dismissed the notion, stating that the coalition is already strained and that further expansion would complicate governance.
ANC’s Push for Reset vs. DA’s Resistance
The ANC has reportedly suggested a “reset” of the GNU, with Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula describing the current arrangement as a “temporary structure” meant to implement ANC policies. However, Steenhuisen insists that any changes to the GNU must involve consensus among existing members, as outlined in the coalition’s founding agreement.
Political analysts Khanyi Magubane and Sanusha Naidu weighed in on the tensions, with Magubane noting that the ANC’s attempt to unilaterally expand the GNU could trigger a major conflict with its partners. “The ANC cannot decide to reset the GNU without the buy-in of the other parties,” she said.
EFF and MK Party: A Dealbreaker?
The possibility of the EFF joining the GNU has been a contentious issue, given the party’s longstanding refusal to cooperate with the DA. Naidu highlighted the transactional nature of coalition politics, suggesting that the ANC may be seeking to dilute the DA’s influence by bringing in the EFF.
“The DA needs the GNU more than the ANC does,” Magubane argued, pointing to the DA’s struggles in local government coalitions. She added that the EFF’s recent support for the ANC in key municipal votes—such as blocking a motion of no confidence against Johannesburg Mayor Kabelo Gwamanda—demonstrates its growing leverage.
Public Perception and the Future of the GNU
The debate has also raised concerns about public trust, with analysts questioning whether the GNU is truly serving voters’ interests or simply functioning as a battleground for political survival. Naidu warned that the current infighting risks undermining the coalition’s legitimacy.
As tensions escalate, the GNU faces a critical test: Can it survive a full term, or will internal conflicts lead to its collapse before the 2026 local elections? With no clear resolution in sight, South Africa’s experiment in coalition governance remains on shaky ground.