As 2023 draws to a close, a coalition of activists has stepped to the fore, demanding a significant shift in South Africa’s political landscape. With the festive season upon us, demonstrators took to the streets of Pretoria on Christmas Eve, urging President Cyril Ramaphosa to dissolve the Government of National Unity (GNU) and prioritise alliances with African parties that align with leftist ideologies.Organised by Thuto Mashaba, the protests aimed to spotlight a discontent that resonates deeply within the black majority, who feel increasingly marginalised by the GNU’s existing alliance with the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the Freedom Front Plus (FF+). “We call on community members from various political and civil society organisations to send a loud message to leaders in the country to unite now,” Mashaba proclaimed, underscoring the potential for a progressive government that focuses on the interests of indigenous South Africans.
The ANC, however, remains resistant to the rising anti-DA sentiment. ANC leadership has consistently downplayed the risks of partnering with parties such as the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and Mbokodo Community Justice. They assert that ceding control to the DA is simply a dangerous alternative that would not benefit the historically disadvantaged. Meanwhile, the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) stands as the sole party with a distinctly black and progressive ethos included in the GNU.Contention within the GNU has intensified, particularly as the ANC faces accusations of replicating apartheid-era policies. The party’s struggle to advance key legislative reforms, like the National Health Insurance and Bela bill, demonstrates the fractures within the coalition. As the DA pushes for a more significant say in foreign policy—namely, advocating for a pivot away from South Africa’s longstanding connections with Russia—tensions continue to escalate.”The GNU is apartheid; the DA is bringing back apartheid, and Ramaphosa must wake up and not sell us to these people,” emphasised one protester, a long-time ANC supporter feeling disillusioned by the party’s current trajectory. Mashaba echoed this sentiment, suggesting that many within the black community view the DA’s prominence in governance as a resurgence of past injustices.
“Our people responded positively to our call because they feel apartheid is being returned with the dominance of DA ministers,” he stated, reflecting a restless urge for a transformation that centres on black empowerment. In defiance of possible repercussions, Thabo, an ANC branch leader, proclaimed that opportunities for black businesses are obstructed by a party like the DA that has campaigned against meaningful change.Amidst these tumultuous discussions regarding governance and the future direction of the ANC, the party’s Secretary General, Fikile Mbalula, has vowed to suppress dissent among members who express criticism of the GNU. The yearning for transformation has emerged as a passionate rallying cry, with calls for unity among progressive black political factions echoing across the nation.The protest was strategically held at the iconic Nelson Mandela statue in Hammanskraal, resonating with the symbolic history of struggle and sacrifice. Mashaba remarked, “It’s concerning now that so soon into our democracy we are being placed under the control of the DA who don’t want change.”
He questioned the merits of the DA’s foreign affiliations and reiterated a call for African unity in governance.In parliament, black political factions, including the EFF and uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), have toyed with the notion of uniting against the DA. Yet, fragmented alliances have ensued, particularly as EFF leader Julius Malema aspires for a DA exodus from the GNU to facilitate a power grab for his party.With the recent announcement that the Bela bill will be implemented, reflecting ongoing negotiations with right-wing factions who fear losing cultural and linguistic dominance, the ANC may be struggling to maintain its coalition. The coming weeks may prove pivotal as pressure mounts both from within its ranks and the broader electorate for an aggressive pursuit of transformation in a post-apartheid South Africa.