As the political empasse continues over the budget, there’s growing calls for the Democratic Alliance to be booted out of the Government of National Unity for its NO vote.The ANC has continued consultations with parties inside and outside the GNU to get them to compromise on the disputed 0.5 % increase in the Value Added Tax.The ANC managed to get the Fiscal Framework ( initial part of the budget) passed without the DA’s support and is widely expected to do so again when MPs vote for the appropriation bill with the support of other parties not in the coalition including Action SA which is seen as a potential replacement for the DA.
Even as it tries to reach some compromise with the DA, the ANC finds itself having to look over its shoulder concerned of what more the blue could do after voting against the very government it is part of.
“When you deal with a crocodile, you must deal with it with your eyes wide open. I’m lying on its back, to cross the river,” said Deputy President Paul Mashatile of the DA’s intentions. Rise Mzansi leader Songezo Zibi who also chairs SCOPA ( Standing Committee on Public Accounts) is the among those who criticised the DA accusing it of among others simply ignoring other political parties and insisting on its way, an allegation also made by Action SA Chief Whip Athol Trollip on the aftermath of the budget vote. Zibi made the comments while hosting journalists in Rosebank, Johannesburg where he likened the GNU to a polygamous marriage with the DA as the first wife.
“The first wife is angry, she says and now everyone else is affected, the family is crumbling and the husband has to reign her in or the whole thing falls apart,” said Zibi adding if the DA was to be kept in the coalition it had to be done under different rules.
UMkhonto Wesizwe and the EFF have consistently called on the ANC to not work with the ANC with the EFF promising its vote if the ANC dumped the former opposition party.Even within the ANC many have expressed frustration at having to deal with the DA and suggested it could be dumped. Both President Cyril Ramaphosa and Mashatile have slammed the DA with the latter questioning its continued stay in the GNU.
“Now, the leadership of the ANC, after what has happened recently, decided that we are going to reconfigure the alliance. We are going to reconfigure the alliance and we are going to reconfigure the GNU to ensure that we bring other parties on board to work with us, said Mashatile. The ANC has meanwhile continued to meet with political parties over the budget and have described those talks as “positive” bar for with the DA.Secretary General Fikile Mbalula said there was no discussion to kick out the DA but insisted it had to vote for the budget. With the Medium Framework already passed without the DA the next step is the tabling of the Appropriations Bill and Revenue Proposals by theChairperson of Parliament’s Standing Committee on Appropriations, Mmusi Maimane, the BOSA leader which the DA has a chance to support but has said it would not back insisting its “pro jobs” budget proposal of massive privatisation and devolution of authority to provinces is what is required to get South Africa on a growth part.Ahead of the ANC officials meeting that decided to rather have the DA walk than throw it out of the GNU Mashatile had questioned the DA’s continued participation in the GNU after voting against it.
“If you don’t vote for this budget, really the ball is in your court. You are defining yourself outside the GNU if you don’t vote for this budget.They nevertheless went and did not vote for it, but I can see some of them are waking today, they are still waking as ministers, they are going around.I would be ashamed to do that, because where does the budget come from?You run to work as a minister, you have not voted for a budget, but you think it’s okay, no? You’re going to work.So, I’m not sure what they are thinking, but as I said today, the top seven is meeting at 10 o’clock to decide, it’s not for me to decide, we will discuss and see but I know that Helen Zille is saying this weekend, they are committed to the GNU, and my response was, vote for the budget.And I said, you’re going to the government to do what? So we are there now,” said Mashatile of the DA ministers in the GNU.
The DA has dug in its heels refusing to budge arguing its demands contained in a budget proposal and includes reversal of transformative laws and policies were what the country needed to drive growth.
“We didn’t mince our words… we continue to drive a jobs and growth agenda.And that is why we flex our muscles, and fight for the people against a VAT increase.
”Helen Zille the DA Federal Council Chairperson after talks with the ANC.
“It’s clear the DA is in the GNU to try and outsmart the ANC. It’s a hey see me, I am better kind of showmanship. At some point some in the ANC may want to put a stop to it because it’s not going to change, the DA is for itself and its funders ( big business) and will always fight to preserve their privileges,” said Political analyst Melusi Ncala.As recent as this week the DA announced it would challenge another government regulation it believes is “race based”.
“The DA is challenging a new Deeds Office rule forcing race and gender declarations for property transfers. It violates your right to privacy and was imposed without public consultation. We demand its withdrawal, and we will seek legal advice,” said the party in the announcement.
Ncala said the GNU will not see out its term of office, at least not in the current form.While the EFF has stated a willingness to either join the GNU or vote with an ANC coalition has remained steadfast in its rejection of the DA and Freedom Front +.The ANC’s alliance partners Cosatu and the South African Communist Party rejected the DA from the onset and have maintained that posture along with uMkhonto Wesizwe party.