The political landscape of South Africa’s national coalition government has become increasingly precarious following the contentious passage of the recent budget, which the Democratic Alliance (DA) opposed. The budget was approved by Parliament yesterday without the backing of the DA, the second-largest party in the Government of National Unity (GNU). This development has prompted high-level meetings among the coalition’s major players as they contemplate the future of the GNU itself.
In response to the contentious budget approval, the DA has announced its intention to file a legal challenge, setting the stage for a potential political showdown. The party’s Federal Executive, its highest decision-making body, will convene on Thursday to formulate a strategy to address the fallout. Meanwhile, the African National Congress (ANC) has scheduled an urgent meeting of its National Executive Committee (NEC) for Monday. The NEC, which serves as the ANC’s highest decision-making body between conferences, is expected to deliberate on critical issues impacting governance and the national political landscape, including the controversial budget.
In a public statement regarding the NEC meeting, the ANC emphasised its role in addressing urgent matters within the coalition. “The NEC, the highest decision-making body of the ANC between conferences, will consider critical matters affecting governance and the national political landscape,” the announcement read, reflecting the gravity of the situation.
The DA’s opposition to the budget has sparked criticism not only from the ANC but also from other coalition partners in the GNU. Leaders from various parties, including Bantu Holomisa of the United Democratic Movement, Songezo Zibi of Rise Mzansi, Mmusi Maimane of BOSA, and Gayton McKenzie of the Patriotic Alliance, have openly condemned the DA for what they perceive as arrogance in its approach. Their consensus suggests a growing discontent among coalition partners regarding the DA’s defiance and refusal to collaborate on vital governance issues.
Despite the potential consequences, including the possibility of the DA being ousted from the GNU, the party remains resolute in its legal challenge. “The DA has filed court papers to stop SARS from implementing the ANC’s VAT hike on 1 May! This budget was pushed through unlawfully without proper oversight. We’re here today to fight back for South Africans,” stated a DA spokesperson, underscoring the party’s commitment to challenging what it views as unjust practices by the governing body.
Amidst this turmoil, Action SA, which had previously supported the budget with hopes of negotiating alternatives to the VAT increase, finds itself strategically positioned. Should the DA exit the coalition, Action SA has signalled its readiness to step in, showcasing its capacity to work constructively with both the ANC and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in the City of Tshwane. Athol Trollip, Action SA’s parliamentary leader, expressed the party’s eagerness to join the GNU if the DA were to depart, challenging the DA’s perception that it alone should engage with the ANC.
As the DA prepares for its legal pursuits, the ripple effects within the GNU could spark a new chapter in South African politics.