Parties told to resolve disputes internally as ANC seeks outside support
Freedom Front Plus (FF+) leader Dr. Corné Mulder has called on members of the Government of National Unity (GNU) to resolve internal disagreements within the coalition, warning that seeking external backing could undermine its stability.
This follows revelations that the African National Congress (ANC) approached parties outside the GNU to garner support for a proposed 0.5% increase in Value Added Tax (VAT), after some coalition partners opposed the move within the current fiscal policy framework.
Mulder said the issue was raised directly with the ANC during a meeting on Monday.
“All parties in the Government of National Unity must recommit to making it work. That starts with prioritising discussions among ourselves first,” he said.
He criticised the ANC’s outreach to non-GNU parties, stressing that unity and cooperation within the coalition are essential for effective governance.
“There was a clear understanding reached that success lies in focusing on the GNU and not looking for support elsewhere,” Mulder added.
Meanwhile, the ANC and the Democratic Alliance (DA) met in Johannesburg over the weekend in an effort to resolve a growing dispute over the national budget. The DA has firmly rejected the VAT increase, arguing it is unaffordable without broader structural economic reforms.
Tensions over fiscal policy are expected to remain high as GNU partners navigate economic pressures and coalition dynamics in the lead-up to the next budget cycle.