ANC grants DA last chance to mend ties ahead of crunch NEC meeting

Zille agrees to meet Mbalula for pressing talks

- By Mandisa Nyathi

The ANC has called an urgent meeting with DA federal chairperson Helen Zille early next week - dubbed a final attempt to repair relations before the ANC's next weekend's national executive committee (NEC) meeting to decide whether the DA should remain in the government of national unity (GNU).

Sources in both parties said the meeting, initiated by ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula, is seen as a last-ditch effort to salvage the uneasy alliance following weeks of public confrontation, stalled parliamentary coordination, and what ANC insiders describe as “bad faith engagements” from the DA.

A senior ANC official told Sunday World that the party's leadership is “deeply concerned” about the DA's posture, which it viewed as confrontational and inconsistent with the collaborative spirit of the GNU.

“This meeting is being convened by the ANC to address the breakdown in trust and to decide whether this partnership can be salvaged. The NEC will need a clear report from the secretary-general on whether the DA is still a reliable partner.”

DA spokesperson Karabo Khakhau confirmed that Zille accepted the meeting, adding that the party welcomed the opportunity to gain clarity from the ANC on its long-term intentions.