{
  "id": 3962006,
  "title": "‘The GNU is intact’ – Ntshavheni brushes off mudslinging between ANC and DA",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/28/the-gnu-is-intact-ntshavheni-brushes-off-mudslinging-between-anc-and",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-28T12:14:06.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/news/south-africa/gnu-eskom-wef-spring-davos-ntshavheni-cabinet-debrief/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Minister of the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni expressed confidence in the stability of the government of national unity (GNU) as it navigates the election period. The minister addressed questions following her weekly briefing, discussing the outcomes of Cabinet discussions. Political parties within and outside the GNU have engaged in criticism over the past year, particularly between the ANC and DA in Johannesburg. Ntshavheni maintained a pragmatic perspective on the political bickering, stating that it is an inherent part of the electoral process. \"The GNU, it's intact. Remember, this election period, parties are contesting to win elections in the November 2026 elections and that is the work that will continue to be done,\" she affirmed.\n\nRegarding security concerns, Ntshavheni inquired about the potential expansion of the political killings task team (PKTT) to safeguard councillors ahead of the 2026 elections. She assured that the South African Police Service (SAPS) is well-prepared and that political interference is not an issue. \"NATJOINTS have a full plan on securing the elections and related matters, and if Cabinet discusses the operational matters of capacities of policing structures, we are going to run into problems. The police will know these are mechanisms in place within the police system that ensure that if the capacity requires to be enhanced, it will be enhanced,\" she emphasized.\n\nIn global news, Ntshavheni provided updates on Nepal, where at least six South Africans have gone missing due to floods. The minister noted that the situation remains fluid and that her government is collaborating with regional authorities. Ntshavheni also reported on South Africa's involvement in expanding the African Growth and Opportunity Act trade deal and a partnership with India to bolster market access and logistics for the country's citrus industry. Furthermore, she announced the government's plans to register a new tuberculosis vaccine should phase three of the drug's trial show promising results.\n\nNtshavheni highlighted that South Africa will observe Heritage Month in September and Public Service and Tourism Month in the coming months. She welcomed Eskom's improved financial situation, noting a significant reduction in diesel expenditure for open gas turbines from R5.92 billion to under R900 million year-on-year. The gas turbines once accounted for approximately 8% of Eskom's electricity generation, now representing just over 1%. Lastly, the minister announced that South Africa will host the World Economic Forum special meeting in Cape Town from March 27 to 31, 2028, marking the first time the WEF Spring Davos will be held in the country, presenting opportunities for investment, trade, economic cooperation, and sustainable development.",
  "summary": "Ntshavheni added that government is working with authorities in Nepal, with 6 South Africans missing after the flash floods",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}