Last night, viewers were treated to a good dose of drama when Hellen Zille of the DA and ANC’s Fikile Mbalula clashed on national television.
Government of National Unity Or Coalition?
Last week, the African National Congress (ANC), the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) agreed to form a Government of National Unity (GNU) following the 2024 elections.
The ANC lost its majority by over 15%, barely scrapping the 40% mark. This means the ANC needed to join hands with other parties to govern. Resultantly, the revolutionary party joined hands with the DA and the IFP.
uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) refused any negotiations with the “ANC of Cyril Ramaphosa”, while the EFF declined to join any arrangement, including the DA. As a result, both were left in the cold.
Other parties have joined the GNU, which now comprises six parties: the ANC, DA, IFP, PA, PAC and Good. The arrangement has 273 out of 400 seats (68%) in the National Assembly.
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Fikile Mbalula And Hellen Zille Clash On TV
However, barely a week since reaching an agreement, the GNU is already experiencing fissures. Last night, ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula and the DA’s Federal Council chair, Hellen Zille, shared more about the GNU on TV. The two politicians headed their respective parties’ negotiation teams.
Hellen Zille complained that the ANC did not consult her party in roping the Patriotic Alliance of Gayton McKenzie into the GNU.
In the Statement of Intent of the 2024 Government of National Unity, one of the modalities states that:
“In keeping with the spirit of an inclusive GNU, it is agreed that the composition shall be discussed and agreed amongst the existing parties, whenever new parties desire to be part of the GNU.”
Zille echoed this and revealed she had written to the ANC about PA joining the GNU without consultation. She also said the DA would complain if the PA got a ministerial role.
Zille said Mbalula does not understand the GNU document that they signed. She warned that the ANC would not be able to pass through any decision without the DA’s support. Sufficient consensus requires 60% of parties to agree.