Tensions rise over DA's future in GNU

Ramaphosa and Mashatile 'don't see eye to eye' on the ANC's coalition partner

- MASHUDU SADIKE

TENSIONS within the ANC have reached boiling point as ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa and his deputy, Paul Mashatile, have clashed over the party's stance on the DA in the Government of National Unity (GNU).

The controversy began when the DA voted against the Budget and its proposed VAT hike in the National Assembly last week, sparking a heated debate between the two parties.

Smaller political parties backed the ANC, helping it to pass the Budget despite the DA not supporting its GNU partner.

The fiscal framework was passed with the help of political parties outside of the GNU, including ActionSA and Build One South Africa (Bosa), on the condition that there must be further talks to explore alternatives to the VAT hike.

According to a senior ANC member, who was part of the National Working Committee (NWC) meeting that discussed what the party's intentions were regarding the DA on Monday, there was a fierce battle between Ramaphosa and Mashatile on whether to retain the DA in the GNU or let it go.

Mashatile has been vocal about his disapproval of the DA's actions, stating that their decision to oppose the Budget was a clear indication that they were "defining themselves outside the GNU".

In contrast, Ramaphosa has taken a more diplomatic approach, opting to engage with the DA to keep the party in the GNU.