African National Congress (ANC) secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has dared the Democratic Alliance (DA) to leave the Government of National Unity (GNU) if the party wants to.
This comes as DA federal chair Helen Zille claimed that she introduced public-private partnerships in South Africa and that the private sector wanted the DA to prop up and protect President Cyril Ramaphosa against Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).
MBALULA SAYS DA CAN LEAVE THE GNU
During a media briefing on Thursday, 7 November, Mbalula lashed out at Zille for her claims, saying that in her remarks, Zille exposes her agenda: to push herself into a position of undue influence within the GNU while undermining the ANC’s foundational role.
“We need to make it very clear: If the DA wants to leave the GNU, it’s their call. They can leave tonight, tomorrow, or anytime they want or wish to leave. This divisive narrative lacks both historical truth and relevance to our current transformation efforts. Her intent is clear—to delegitimize the ANC’s leadership and derail the transformative projects that are central to our National Democratic Revolution.
However, these tactics will not deter us,” Mbalula said.
‘DEEP-SEATED RACIAL BIASES’
Further, Mbalula said Zille’s attempts to portray herself as influential in South Africa’s future, but the reality is that South Africans have repeatedly chosen the ANC to lead, a mandate reaffirmed through democratic processes.
“Zille’s conduct is a vivid reminder of her own deep-seated racial biases and a divisive agenda that attempts to exploit identity politics rather than foster genuine unity.
“From orchestrated marches to the Voortrekker Monument to openly exclusionary rhetoric, the DA’s pattern of behavior speaks volumes about its intentions and underlying values,” Mbalula added.
On Tuesday, 5 November, the DA, Freedom Front Plus, Solidarity and AfriForum marched from the Voortrekker Monument to Freedom Park protesting against the Bela Act which president Cyril Ramaphosa signed on 13 September.
During the march, Steenhuisen emphasised that despite being part of the GNU, the DA has long opposed Clauses 4 and 5 of the Bela Act.
Steenhuisen said these clauses give the state too much control over who gets an education at any particular school, and in what language.
“The constitution is clear, everyone has the right to receive education in the official language or languages of their choice. These hard-fought rights enshrined in our constitution cannot simply be given away at the stroke of a pen.
“Schools, through their governing bodies, are able to make decisions which reflect the needs of parents and the local communities. We cannot allow this authority to be handed over to an official in a provincial office, far from the needs and wants of community members. Protection of mother-tongue education is critical,” he said.
DO YOU THINK THE DA WOULD EXIT THE GNU?
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