ANC 'diluting' DA power

Analysts: Inviting other parties to join GNU to weaken its influence

- Eric Mthobeli Naki

The DA's tendency to "blackmail" the ANC in the government of national unity (GNU) is behind the ANC considering inviting other parties to join the unity government, but the main idea is to weaken the DA's influence in the national administration, according to experts.

Political analyst Sandile Swana said it also indicates growing frustration with the DA's conduct in the GNU, not only by ANC members but also other parties such as the Herman Mashaba-led ActionSA.

In fact, he said, it had been a long time in the making that ActionSA and Rise Mzansi could be invited to participate fully in the GNU.

Rise Mzansi is considered part of the GNU as its leader, Songezo Zibi, chairs the standing committee on public accounts (Scopa) and is part of the provincial executive council in Gauteng.

Analyst Goodenough Mashego said it was no surprise that the ANC intended to invite other parties into the GNU because that was its original position after the May 2024 elections and during the 1994 GNU.

"There is a realisation on the part of President Cyril Ramaphosa that the GNU is not going to work because there is a kingmaker – the DA.