Frustrations Mount in South Africa’s GNU as DA Slams ANC’s Governance Approach

South Africa news: Frustrations Mount in South Africa’s GNU as DA Slams ANC’s Governance Approach. Image for illustration purposes only, generated with AI.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has voiced growing frustration over its coalition partnership with the African National Congress (ANC) in South Africa’s Government of National Unity (GNU), just over a year into the alliance. The two largest parties in the coalition have repeatedly clashed on policy matters, with DA leader John Steenhuisen vowing to dismantle what he calls economically damaging ANC policies.

Economic Reforms vs. Political Deadlock

During a media briefing on Monday, Steenhuisen unveiled the DA’s six-point economic recovery plan, targeting key obstacles such as Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE), the Employment Equity Act, and the Expropriation Act. He argued that these policies have stifled growth, worsened unemployment, and disproportionately harmed Black South Africans.

“Over the last decade, B-BBEE and racial quotas have failed. Black unemployment has surged, and household incomes have plummeted,” Steenhuisen said. He accused the ANC of mismanaging empowerment policies, benefiting only a “handful of politically connected individuals” rather than fostering broad-based economic inclusion.

The DA is pushing for sweeping regulatory reforms to create a more business-friendly environment, emphasizing entrepreneurship, investment, and job creation. However, Steenhuisen lamented that the ANC’s refusal to acknowledge its loss of majority support has hindered progress in the GNU.

ANC’s Expansion Plans Spark Tensions

Tensions escalated last week when the ANC announced plans to bring additional parties into the GNU, a move seen as an attempt to reduce reliance on the DA. Steenhuisen claimed the ANC did not consult the DA, despite a prior agreement requiring discussions with existing coalition partners before expanding the GNU.

“It cannot be right that one party, without its own majority, dictates policies as if they are set in stone,” he said. “Coalition governance requires negotiation, compromise, and collaboration—not unilateral decisions.”

DA Withdraws from National Dialogue

The DA’s frustrations have led it to boycott the upcoming national convention and dialogue, which Steenhuisen dismissed as a wasteful expenditure amid South Africa’s economic crisis.

“South Africa’s economy is in the ICU,” he said, citing a 10% decline in GDP per capita over 15 years, unemployment nearing 33% (or over 43% including discouraged job seekers), and systemic failures in energy, rail, and port infrastructure.

Instead of “costly talks,” Steenhuisen called for urgent reforms, including the unbundling of Eskom, modernization of freight rail, and upgrades to digital and port infrastructure to revive economic growth.

ANC Defends GNU Strategy

The ANC, meanwhile, maintains that broadening the GNU is essential for national unity and stability. A party spokesperson stated, “We are engaging with parties willing to contribute constructively to inclusive growth, poverty reduction, and building a capable state.”

However, the DA’s withdrawal from key discussions signals deepening rifts in the coalition, raising questions about the GNU’s long-term viability as South Africa grapples with mounting economic and political challenges.

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