ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula admitted that the party does not like its GNU partner, the Democratic Alliance (DA), or the Government of National Unity (GNU) itself.
He stressed, however, that the GNU was a tactical decision made under difficult circumstances.
Speaking at a media briefing in Johannesburg on Tuesday, Mbalula said the ANC had limited options after failing to win a majority in the May 2024 elections.
Mbalula Responds to Pandor’s Remarks
Former minister Naledi Pandor criticised the ANC during a memorial lecture in honour of late ANC Women’s League president Getrude Shope.
“There is nothing worse in an organisation or a country than a leader who has no solution,” Pandor said.
Mbalula rejected claims that Pandor had attacked the ANC. He said she had instead pointed out the urgent need for renewal within the organisation.
“I’ve listened to her. She said all the right things about what needs to be done. She wasn’t critical of the ANC, she was talking about how we would rebuild the ANC,” Mbalula said.
GNU Seen as Tactical, Not Long-Term
Mbalula explained that the ANC chose the GNU after weighing several options, including a minority government, a re-run of the elections, or a two-party coalition.
“Who likes the DA? We don’t like the DA. We don’t like the GNU. But the GNU was a tactical move, one of several options we had,” he said.
He emphasised that the GNU was not a long-term solution, but rather a short-term fix.
“If it ends, that’s okay. At some point, the people of South Africa will decide what happens next. But for now, the ANC chose to go this route.”
ANC and DA Clash on Policy
The GNU brought together the ANC, the DA, Freedom Front Plus and other parties. Since its formation, the DA has opposed several ANC-led policies, creating tension within the partnership.
The DA has at times threatened to withdraw, but has ultimately stayed on, citing its mission to combat corruption, nepotism, and promote economic growth and job creation.
Mbalula dismissed claims of deep division within the ANC over the GNU.
He said the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) made the decision collectively, and all members are expected to defend it.
Has the ANC’s decision to partner with the DA strengthened your trust in the party, or pushed you further away?
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