GNU chaos may affect Jozi

Rumbling Johannesburg will slide more quickly if the government of national unity (GNU) collapses over disputes between the ANC and DA over the country's budget.

- Martin Williams

A broken GNU will shorten President Cyril Ramaphosa's political career and boost his radical rivals in the ANC.

They, in turn, would scupper recent attempts by Ramaphosa to improve governance in South Africa's biggest city.

Johannesburg is still a goldmine for tender-loving cadres who know how to access public money while ruining service delivery.

The last thing they want is any tightening of the way Joburg does business.

Ramaphosa's rivals within the ANC are excited by the prospect of a GNU collapse. Scenting the blood of a wounded buffalo, they are circling for a kill.

Leading the charge is Deputy President Paul Mashatile, who says DA ministers should be ashamed to pitch up at work after voting against the fiscal framework.

There is no legal basis for assuming that disagreements over budget are grounds for terminating GNU membership.