Beyond the GNU — how opposition parties must adapt to compromise and power
There is a political consequence of South Africa’s Government of National Unity that deserves closer attention: when former opponents agree to govern together, they do not necessarily bring their supporters with them.
The recent local government elections in South Africa have highlighted the evolving nature of political opposition in the country, particularly in the context of the Government of National Unity between the African National Congress (ANC) and the Democratic Alliance (DA). The decline in the Electoral Freedom Fighters' (EFF) vote, from 10.31% in 2021 to 6.22% in 2026, has raised questions about the impact of political cooperation at the top on the meaning of opposition at the ballot box.
While the EFF's self-interested explanation for their losses may not prove a direct causal link, it does prompt a broader consideration of how shared power between former adversaries may reshape political identities and voter behavior. The changing landscape, as evidenced by the EFF's vote share, suggests that the traditional distinctions between political parties may no longer hold the same weight in South African politics.
Brief written by urgent.news from Daily Maverick's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
