DA unlikely to leave GNU any time soon, say experts

The ANC could be preparing for a post-DA era, but there are doubts the party will go, or if the ANC has the power to fire it from the government of national unity (GNU) without opening a can of worms.

- Eric Mthobeli Naki

This is the view of political analysts who also believe the DA is not about to call it quits any time soon. Instead, the party appeared to want to stay put in the GNU, as it was backtracking on its threat to leave, they said.

Political analyst and a lecturer from North-West University Dominic Maphaka said the ANC is gearing up for a possible DA exit and it is also leveraging on the availability of other parties to keep its rival in the GNU.

Alternative partners are used as a bargaining chip to sustain a coalition government that is preferred by the business community, which boosts the government's growth and development objectives.

However, he said, this did not mean the DA is about to vacate the multiparty coalition. This is despite the ANC's strong rhetoric slanted towards disgruntlement with the DA.

Maphaka said recent statements by ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula appeared to envisage that the DA could leave the GNU.