Steenhuisen says GNU was 'battle tested' in VAT fight

DEMOCRATIC Alliance leader John Steenhuisen has admitted that the Government of National Unity (GNU) has experienced a “tough” first year but said progress is being made and many priorities are on track.

- SIMON MAJADIBODU

“Yes, it's been a tough year — a year of many ups and downs, but I think the GNU has survived a year. Many people never thought it would last more than a few months, yet here we are,” Steenhuisen said.

He was speaking in Hanover Park, Cape Town, where the DA celebrated its 25th anniversary since its formation.

The GNU, formed following the May 2024 general elections, came after the African National Congress (ANC) failed to secure a majority for the first time since the advent of democracy in 1994. The coalition includes the ANC, the DA, Freedom Front Plus and several smaller parties, some of whom were former rivals.

However, the unity government has been marred by internal tensions, particularly over policy implementation, leadership disputes, and allegations of corruption and a lack of accountability.

The DA, which is the second-largest party in the GNU, has clashed with its partners on multiple legislative fronts.

It has challenged the Expropriation Act and the Employment Equity Amendment Act in court.