ANC Deputy President Paul Mashatile has reaffirmed that the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) is scheduled to meet on Monday to decide the next steps for the Government of National Unity (GNU), as tensions simmer among coalition partners.
Mashatile made the remarks following his address at the Solomon Mahlangu Memorial Lecture in Khayelitsha, highlighting the need for aligned action among GNU parties.
“We expect every party in the GNU to operate in line with the agreed-upon statement of intent,” Mashatile said. “It’s difficult to see how we move forward if parties like the DA and Freedom Front Plus claim to be part of the GNU but oppose the national budget. A government without a budget simply cannot function.”
He emphasised that discussions with other GNU members must remain central to any decision-making process and dismissed the possibility of exclusive bilateral talks with the DA.
Speaking from KwaZulu-Natal over the weekend, Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen explained that the DA joined the unity government not to sit on the sidelines but to influence the direction of the country.
“We are part of the GNU because we want to be active contributors to rebuilding South Africa. That means driving economic growth and job creation, not just playing a supporting role,” said Steenhuisen.
He also urged for “authentic power-sharing” within the GNU framework, a sentiment that reflects growing friction between coalition members.
Political economist Lumkile Mondi weighed in on the developing situation, warning that internal disputes could jeopardise the very goals the GNU was created to achieve.
“The GNU was formed to spark economic recovery, promote inclusion, and strengthen state institutions,” said Mondi. “While concerns raised by leaders like Steenhuisen are valid, constant friction threatens to derail efforts to uplift the country.”
Mondi stressed the need for unity, warning that political discord could worsen the already fragile economy and undo progress made since the GNU’s formation.
“If we lose focus and continue fighting amongst ourselves, we risk collapsing the structure meant to deliver hope, growth, and national cohesion.”
