ANC divisions exposed by poor local election results – will the GNU survive?
While the ANC is pushing for the DA to be excluded from coalitions, joining forces with other parties could see it losing more support among voters
Recent local government elections have exposed divisions within the ANC, which some are using to undermine the government of national unity (GNU). Political analyst Andre Duvenhage stated that the outcome of local elections will impact other levels of government. Some ANC members have called for reconfiguring the GNU and blame the partnership with the Democratic Alliance (DA) for poor election results.
Duvenhage noted a strong grouping within the ANC's national executive committee that opposes working with the DA and the Freedom Front Plus, favoring a centre-left narrative instead. The ANC's top seven officials were accused of sidelining party members during decision-making. The ANC NEC decided to only form a coalition with the DA as a last resort, supported by President Cyril Ramaphosa, who expressed fatigue with the DA's opposition to ANC policies.
The high number of hung municipalities has prompted parties to reflect on the best and most stable coalitions for the people of South Africa. Duvenhage identified three potential coalition scenarios: a centre-left coalition with ActionSA and the EFF or MK party, a strategic agreement between the ANC and the DA to govern separately, and the DA forming coalitions without the ANC, as seen in Nelson Mandela Bay.
If the ANC were to reconfigure the GNU, it could have severe economic consequences and result in further loss of support for the ANC.
Written by urgent.news from The Citizen's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
