The Democratic Alliance (DA) has announced it will remain part of the Government of National Unity (GNU) despite escalating tensions with the African National Congress (ANC). However, the party will boycott the upcoming national dialogue in August 2025 and take a harder stance against ANC-led corruption.
DA leader John Steenhuisen addressed the media on Saturday, following the dismissal of the party’s Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Andrew Whitfield, by the ANC. Steenhuisen condemned the ANC’s “disrespect” but emphasized that walking away from the GNU would be a disservice to South Africa.
No More Tolerance for Disrespect
“We have had enough of the ANC’s disrespect,” Steenhuisen declared. “But we’re not going to walk out on the GNU, we’re not going to walk out on South Africa, and we’re not going to walk out on the people looking to us for leadership.”
He warned, however, that the DA’s patience was not limitless. “We will stay in the GNU as long as we believe we can be part of change. But we should not be tested to the point where we will have to make a decision [to leave].”
Boycott of National Dialogue and Budget Votes
In response to Whitfield’s removal, the DA announced it would not participate in the national dialogue scheduled for August. Steenhuisen dismissed the need for further talks, arguing that the 2024 elections had already delivered a clear message.
“We already had a national dialogue last year—it’s called an election,” he said. “The people said very clearly that they do not want ANC one-party arrogance or domination.”
The party also vowed not to support budget votes for any ANC-led departments where ministers are implicated in corruption.
Possible Motion of No Confidence in Ramaphosa
Steenhuisen hinted at further political action, revealing that the DA is considering tabling a motion of no confidence in President Cyril Ramaphosa. He argued that Ramaphosa’s authority is contingent on GNU partners like the DA.
“Without the DA’s numbers in Parliament, President Ramaphosa would never have had such prerogative in the first place,” Steenhuisen said. “Unlike the ANC’s suggestion that this is some god-given right, it was only conferred temporarily by the GNU parties.”
Despite the tensions, Steenhuisen maintained that the DA’s presence in the GNU remains crucial for South Africa’s stability. “Right now, staying in the GNU is the best option for the country in its current configuration,” he said.
The DA’s decision signals a precarious balancing act—remaining in government while escalating opposition to the ANC’s governance. The coming weeks will test whether this strategy can hold or if further political fallout is inevitable.