ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has attacked the DA for being “disrespectful” and “arrogant” after they voted against the government’s fiscal framework. Mbalula warned that coalition partners can’t act like opposition, comparing the DA’s behavior to refusing to sign as a wedding witness. The ANC plans to hold a National Executive Committee meeting to discuss the GNU’s future, with possible removal of DA ministers. The political standoff raises serious concerns for South Africa’s economic stability.
ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has launched a scathing attack on the Democratic Alliance (DA) following their rejection of the fiscal framework. Speaking after an emergency meeting, Mbalula branded the DA’s actions as “arrogant” and “disrespectful,” warning that the Government of National Unity (GNU) cannot continue if coalition partners behave like opposition parties.
The ANC cannot sustain a coalition where partners act both as government and opposition simultaneously.
The confrontation stems from the DA’s vote against the fiscal framework linked to a proposed 0.5% VAT increase. The DA attempted to use their support as leverage to secure the repeal of the Expropriation Act, a move the ANC has labeled as political point-scoring rather than responsible governance.
“You can’t have your cake and eat it too,” Mbalula told reporters. “The DA ministers sit in Cabinet meetings, agree to proposals, then vote against them in Parliament. This isn’t how coalition government works.” He compared the DA’s behavior to someone who agrees to attend a wedding but refuses to sign as a witness.
The ANC has scheduled a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting to discuss the GNU’s future. Sources indicate the party is considering removing DA ministers from Cabinet positions, which could potentially collapse the coalition government formed after the 2024 elections failed to produce an outright winner. Mbalula emphasized that winning elections shouldn’t give the DA license to disregard governance responsibilities.
Mbalula emphasized that the burden of making the GNU work cannot rest solely on the ANC. “We’ve made compromises. The VAT increase wasn’t our first choice, but responsible governance requires difficult decisions,” he said. The ANC initially opposed the tax hike but accepted it as part of coalition negotiations.
The DA has defended its position, claiming they sought alternative revenue streams and opposed the VAT increase as harmful to South Africans. However, critics note this contradicts their earlier negotiating positions where they appeared willing to accept tax adjustments in exchange for policy concessions.
Meanwhile, the ANC has reportedly begun preliminary talks with smaller parties like ActionSA as potential alternative coalition partners should the relationship with the DA collapse completely. “We must prepare for all scenarios,” a senior ANC official confirmed.
Political analysts warn that the stand-off threatens South Africa’s economic stability. “Financial markets hate uncertainty, and this political brinkmanship comes at the worst possible time,” explained one economist.
The DA’s strategy has raised questions about their approach to coalition politics. Helen Zille previously warned party members about the paradox of participating in government while maintaining an opposition stance.
As tensions escalate, both parties face difficult choices. The ANC must decide whether to enforce consequences for the DA’s rejection, while the DA must balance their policy objectives against the risks of collapsing the GNU entirely.
With South Africa’s economic challenges mounting, the political impasse couldn’t come at a worse time for ordinary citizens waiting for effective governance.
Mbalula made it clear that the DA now faces a crucial decision about their commitment to the coalition, stating the choice to leave the GNU is entirely theirs to make.
Conclusion
As tensions rise in South Africa’s Government of National Unity, ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has strongly criticized the Democratic Alliance for what he calls “disrespectful” behavior. The coalition appears increasingly fragile, with both parties trading accusations. Political analysts suggest this conflict could lead to the collapse of the partnership formed after the recent elections. Citizens now watch anxiously as the country’s political stability hangs in the balance.
