Cartoon of the day: 8 May 2025

The ANC and DA’s relationship in the ruling government of national unity (GNU) continues to spark debate.

While the DA has challenged the ANC over several policies that have been implemented, the ANC continues to claim the DA is free to walk out of the coalition if they are not happy.

The latest dispute between the coalition’s biggest partners played out in the North Gauteng High Court, where the DA challenged the Employment Equity Amendment Act (EEAA).

Minister of Employment and Labour Nomakhosazana Meth claimed the party was sabotaging the country’s transformation programme, while the ANC described the DA as being anti-transformation and reversing democracy’s gains.

However, DA federal council chairperson Helen Zille said her party is not in the GNU to please the ANC.

“We are in the GNU because we want to stand up for South Africans and to make a success out of South Africa.

“Those of us who are in the DA believe that the DA has the best policies to achieve that,” she said.

Tension with the ANC, but will the DA stay in the GNU?

Despite the ongoing disputes with the ANC on various legislation, the DA believes it is more effective inside the GNU.

“At the moment, we believe that being inside the GNU gives us more leverage than when we are outside. I can’t say that this will always be the case, but that is not my decision.

“The DA has structures and procedures through which decisions are taken, and our job is to stand up for what we know is right, not to please other parties,” Zille added.

NOW READ: ANC stands divided over DA