JOHANNESBURG, Gauteng — Growing Democratic Alliance factional tensions are exposing deep rifts within the opposition party, driven by competing visions for its future and its path to greater political power in South Africa. According to political analyst Sandile Swana, these internal divisions are increasingly centered on transformation, inclusion, and the party’s approach to the black majority, alongside high-stakes economic interests.
Leadership Reshuffles and Historical Divisions
The recent internal friction was reportedly ignited when DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis moved to reshuffle party deployments within the Government of National Unity (GNU), triggering significant internal resistance. Swana noted that these cracks are not new, but are merely being handled differently at various points in time. He pointed out that white politics, largely represented by the DA today, has a long historical lineage of divisions and factions dating back centuries.
As the ANC’s dominance shows signs of weakening, the DA is actively positioning itself as the next successor. However, this ambition has splintered the party into distinct ideological camps. Swana explained that one faction believes the DA can simply take over power and rule as a white minority as the ANC collapses. Conversely, another faction advocates for affirmative action, reconciliation, empowerment, and genuine inclusion with the black majority.
High-Profile Removals and the Mark Burke Controversy
These ideological battles have manifested in high-profile personnel changes. The unceremonious removal of Dr. Dion George from the environmental affairs portfolio and the demotion of former DA leader John Steenhuisen from the agriculture ministry highlight these internal clashes. In the agriculture sector, Swana identified a specific tension between those advocating for community and shared interests versus those protecting existing wealthy farmers who seek to exploit the status quo.
Compounding these issues is the controversy surrounding Dr. Mark Burke. The DA initially mounted a vigorous defense of Burke, arguing there was no formal finding of wrongdoing before mounting pressure ultimately forced him to step down from Parliament’s finance committees. Burke dismissed the scandal coverage as a smear campaign and a witch hunt, attempting to deflect criticism by pointing to alleged theft of public funds by the ANC.
Cryptocurrency, Illicit Flows, and the “Private Money” Myth
Swana strongly rejected Burke’s deflection and the broader notion that private wealth is exempt from scrutiny. He argued that the South African economy is 80% private sector, and the larger portion of economic crime in the country is committed within this white-dominated private sphere, while the ANC dominates the remaining 20% public sector.
Addressing the specifics of the financial allegations, Swana highlighted that Burke and similar figures operate in domains involving western peers, cryptocurrencies, and poorly regulated areas fraught with moral ambiguity. He asserted that some of these transactions are defended by individuals who benefit from the emergence of digital assets outside existing legislation and contemporary moral codes.
“There is no money in South Africa that is not under the law,” Swana stated, emphasizing that foreign exchange and SARS regulations apply universally. He argued that using so-called “private money” to undermine the currency or the rule of law is morally and legally equivalent to abusing public funds.
GNU Lobbying Allegations and the Illusion of Moral Superiority
The DA’s inclusion in the state apparatus via the GNU has further exposed the party to opportunities that blur the lines of ethical governance. Swana referenced allegations raised by John Steenhuisen and others, claiming that Resolve Communications—a firm founded by former DA leader Tony Leon—arranged meetings between private corporate clients and DA cabinet members to push specific agendas.
While such activities are often marketed as legitimate “lobbying,” Swana argued that identifying a specific state tender and pressuring government officials to award it constitutes a moral violation of the constitution. He stressed that the public needs transparency to distinguish where legitimate marketing ends and the manipulation of state processes for private profit begins.
Ultimately, Swana concluded that the ANC and the DA are in the same boat when it comes to legality, morality, and legitimacy. He asserted that both parties engage in corrupt or immoral activities, with the DA and its supporters utilizing their control over the majority of the GDP to conduct white-collar crime, illicit financial flows, and currency manipulation.
“The only contest they are involved in is what they can say to the public so that the DA looks better than the ANC and takes power,” Swana said. “They are not trying to do anything morally better than the ANC; they are simply trying to get power for themselves.”