Steenhuisen stuns Mzansi with DA’s decision on GNU

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Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen says the party will remain in the Government of National Unity (GNU) despite the axing of Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry Andrew Whitfield. However, the DA’s Federal Executive has resolved to withdraw from the National Dialogue with immediate effect.

In a media briefing, Steenhuisen accused the African National Congress (ANC) of displaying double standards and abusing its power. He warned that the DA’s withdrawal from the GNU would have disastrous consequences for the country.

Steenhuisen stated that DA members of the executive have remained focused on delivering for South Africans. However, he slammed Ramaphosa for not doing the same.

“Instead of upholding the wishes of the people by working in a respectful and collaborative manner with all partners in the GNU, the ANC has repeatedly undermined these principles. Time and again, it has slapped away the hand of substantive cooperation and co-creation in favour of arrogant and narrow political self-interest,” said Steenhuisen.

DA CALLS ON RAMAPHOSA TO ACT ON CORRUPTION

Steenhuisen also criticised Ramaphosa for ignoring a 48-hour ultimatum issued by the DA following Whitfield’s dismissal, calling on him to act against corruption within the ANC.

“If the ANC does not urgently change the way it engages with its coalition partners so that we can fight corruption and start growing the economy, then they imperil the future of the country and its people,” he warned.

He emphasised that the DA has acted in the best interests of South Africa since the formation of the GNU, and called on Ramaphosa and the ANC to do the same.

PUBLIC REACTS TO STEENHUISEN’S DECISION

Many South Africans took to social media to express their disappointment with the DA’s announcement. On X, several users shared that they had expected the party to withdraw entirely from the GNU. Others also questioned the DA’s credibility and whether its actions matched its rhetoric.