ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula has reiterated that no decision has been made regarding the future of the Government of National Unity (GNU), but made it clear that the Democratic Alliance (DA) is free to walk away if it no longer supports the coalition's direction.
Speaking during a media briefing at Luthuli House in Johannesburg on Tuesday, Mbalula addressed the mounting friction within the GNU, following the ANC National Working Committee (NWC) meeting on Monday.
Mbalula pointed fingers at the DA, accusing it of fuelling tensions within the coalition government and behaving more like an opposition party than a governing partner.
This comes after the DA and Freedom Front Plus rejected the 2025 fiscal framework, opposing a proposed 0.5% increase in VAT. The DA has since taken the matter to the Western Cape High Court, claiming Parliament’s approval process was procedurally flawed.
“The GNU, by design, is complex. It requires high levels of political maturity and revolutionary discipline,” Mbalula said. “We knew it would not be easy, given the ideological differences among partners, but discipline was expected.”
He accused the DA of “double-dealing” and acting in bad faith. “We are deeply concerned by the conduct of the DA, whose participation in the GNU has been marred by negotiating in bad faith, open disdain for transformation, and consistent opposition to key legislation.”
Mbalula cited the DA’s resistance to the BELA Bill, the National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme, and the Land Expropriation Amendment as examples of its oppositional stance.
“It seeks to divide the government, confuse the public, and claim credit without assuming responsibility. This dishonesty undermines the essence of collective governance,” he said.
Despite growing cracks, Mbalula said the ANC remains committed to the GNU as a "tactical element," but warned that the coalition’s integrity cannot be compromised.
In response to the ongoing budget impasse, the ANC has reopened talks with both GNU members and external partners in an effort to build consensus. “The NWC resolved that we will reset the button and engage all political parties in the GNU,” Mbalula said.
He reaffirmed the ANC’s stance on developmental fiscal policy, vowing to pursue equitable tax reforms, prudent debt management, and reallocation of expenditure toward social investment.
The ANC will also consult with civil society stakeholders, including religious leaders through the South African Council of Churches, and aims to reach consensus within five days.
“We thank all parties who have worked with us to pass the fiscal framework, both within and outside the GNU,” Mbalula said. “We remain principled and loyal to the issues ventilated in those discussions.”
He concluded by stating the ANC’s negotiating team has been given two weeks to report back to national leadership.
“Our mission is clear: to build a democratic, non-racial, non-sexist, united, and prosperous South Africa. The struggle continues, and the people’s movement will not retreat.”