DA REMAINS UNWELCOME IN GNU, SAYS MASHATILE

ActionSA keeps options open as coalition government faces turbulence

- NICOLA DANIELS

ACTIONSA, the kingmakers in last week's key budget vote, has not ruled out the possibility of joining the Government of National Unity (GNU) as the collapse of the current coalition government appears imminent.

The Herman Mashaba-led ActionSA helped save the day for the ANC when its coalition partners the DA and Freedom Front Plus deserted it over their rejection of the budget in its current form.

The budget proposes a 0.5% VAT increase over two years, a move the DA has opposed, saying it would not support a budget that seeks to punish the poor. It was however prepared to support it, unless the ANC gave in to its demands including the running of the ports and reversing recently enacted laws, such as Bela and the Expropriation Act.

Deputy president Paul Mashatilehas once again spared no punches, in public comments at two recent ANC events, the Solomon Mahlangu lecture in Cape Town, and the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation's business breakfast in Illovo, alluding to the fact that the DA was no longer welcome in the GNU.

"You run to work as a minister, you did not vote for the budget, but you think it's okay... I am not sure what they are thinking," he said.

The party's National Working Committee was last night locked in meetings to decide on the future of the GNU including the possibilities of restructuring the coalition government.