African National Congress (ANC) Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula recently expressed a bold sentiment regarding South Africa’s Government of National Unity (GNU), admitting that the ANC harbors strong negative feelings toward the coalition structure. Mbalula’s blunt statement reveals the underlying friction within this coalition government, particularly between the ANC and the Democratic Alliance (DA).
Following the ANC’s historic performance in the 29 May elections, where the party garnered less than 50% of the vote, a coalition government became necessary. This marked a significant shift as the ANC was forced to join with the DA, the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), and other parties to maintain governance. For many ANC leaders, including Mbalula, the GNU structure has posed a challenging dynamic, introducing heightened levels of oversight and criticism from opposition leaders.
Mbalula admitted his frustrations in a recent interview, stating, “When it comes to the African National Congress, I can tell you now, we hate the GNU. The fact that I must be woken up by an opposition leader every day about this and that—I don’t like it. But that’s how democracy is; it humbles you.”
Tensions With DA Leadership
Mbalula’s remarks come at a time when ANC and DA members have clashed over the direction and role of the GNU. On Thursday, 7 November, during a media briefing, Mbalula further criticized DA federal chairperson Helen Zille, calling her an “opportunist” who is attempting to leverage the GNU for personal and political gain. He expressed that Zille’s recent claims expose her ambitions, which he believes are aimed at gaining undue influence within the GNU.
Addressing Zille’s role in the coalition, Mbalula stated, “If the DA wants to leave the GNU, it’s their call. They can leave tonight, tomorrow, or anytime they want. This divisive narrative lacks both historical truth and relevance to our current transformation efforts.” He added that Zille’s motives appear to be an attempt to weaken the ANC’s leadership while sidetracking their ongoing transformation agenda, which is aligned with the National Democratic Revolution. However, Mbalula was clear that the ANC remains undeterred, saying these “tactics will not deter us.”
The Nature of the GNU: A Balancing Act
Despite the apparent tension, Mbalula acknowledged that coalitions, by their nature, bring together parties with differing ideological backgrounds, and in South Africa, the GNU has brought together political rivals. The necessity for this union stems from the ANC’s reduced parliamentary majority, which no longer allows it to pass legislation without alliance support.
While the GNU’s formation marked a significant milestone in South African politics, it has also introduced new challenges, including power struggles and ideological conflicts. With Mbalula’s candid admission, it is clear that while the GNU was essential, it has also brought discomfort and a reshaping of power dynamics, which ANC leaders like Mbalula are still coming to terms with.
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