The stability of South Africa’s Government of National Unity (GNU) is under threat as Patriotic Alliance (PA) leader Gayton McKenzie has issued an ultimatum to the African National Congress (ANC), demanding the reinstatement of his deputy or risk the PA’s withdrawal from all coalition agreements.
The crisis stems from the removal of the PA’s designated member, Kenny Kunene, from the position of Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Transport in the City of Johannesburg. McKenzie has threatened to resign as a minister and pull the PA out of the GNU if Kunene is not reappointed by Tuesday. He has accused the Chairperson of the ANC in the Johannesburg region of undermining his party.
Kunene, who has since been sworn in as a councillor, was reportedly cleared of any wrongdoing by an independent law firm regarding allegations linked to murder-accused Katiso “KT” Molefe.
A spokesperson for the PA confirmed that high-level meetings between the leadership of the two parties are scheduled for either Monday or Tuesday in an attempt to resolve the impasse.
“We are waiting for the ANC to get back to us in terms of the time and the venue,” the PA spokesperson stated.
When questioned on how the PA’s potential exit would impact the GNU, the spokesperson sought to downplay the risk of total collapse. The spokesperson clarified that the PA’s departure would not be intended to create “havoc” and that the party would continue to support President Cyril Ramaphosa.
“We are not saying we are leaving to collapse the GNU,” the spokesperson said. “We will not support a motion of no confidence against President Ramaphosa. We will defend President Ramaphosa… but we had to go this way as a matter of principle.”
The public ultimatum and subsequent political maneuvering have highlighted the fragile nature of South Africa’s coalition governments. Political analysts observing the situation have pointed to the ongoing tensions between the ANC and the Patriotic Alliance as a clear indication of the instability inherent in the country’s current coalition arrangements.
The outcome of the scheduled meetings this week will be critical in determining whether the PA follows through on its threat, a move that could significantly reshape the political landscape of the GNU.