Protest against possible DA, ANC coalition ‘unfortunate’ - Mbalula

A group of about 20 “concerned members”, including former President Jacob Zuma’s daughter Thuthukile Zuma, are calling for the party to reject any prospects of entering a coalition with the Democratic Alliance (DA).

They claim a coalition between the two parties would be a betrayal of African National Congress (ANC) principles.

Esethu Hasane is among those here vehemently rejecting a partnership with the DA.

“I won’t be able to campaign in the next campaign and tell people who are young like myself, who are black and proud, that they must vote for an ANC that consults John [Steenhuisen] and Helen [Zille] in making decisions in government.”

He says their protest should not be misconstrued as being against the ANC, adding that they are rather concerned by the growing commentary in favour of an ANC/DA coalition.

Hasane says their objection is informed by the fundamental policy differences between the two parties, such as the National Health Insurance, which the ANC simply cannot compromise on

“No decision to coalesce with the DA has been taken yet. But what we have witnessed over the last few days is that there’s been an increase in media articles, broadcast, and print media, that has been promoting an ANC- DA alliance as the only alternative.

“We are here to say to the NEC that that is not the only alternative. They have a lot on their plate that they have to decide on. We have confident that they will make the right choice, and that choice is not with DA – an enemy of the ANC that has sought to oppose everything that the ANC stands for.”

Meanwhile, Mbalula has described the protest as misplaced and misinformed.

“The ANC have always led from the front through accepting descent, and at the same time allowing engagement. We were in CODESA [Congress for a Democratic South Africa] one and this, I think, can be likened to Codesa two, where you talk to people you know you disagree with and map out a solution for the country.”

Political parties are hard-pressed to find bedmates as many explore the possibility of working together in a coalition government after none secured an outright majority in last month’s national and provincial elections.

The ANC plummeted from its 30-year parliamentary majority when it only managed 40% of voter support, down from 57% in 2019, while the DA managed nearly 22% from 20% at the previous general poll.

On Wednesday, the party confirmed that the national working committee had recommended the formation of a government of national unity with all political parties represented in the National Assembly.

On Thursday, ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula reiterated this in his brief address to the media.

“We have narrowed it down to a GNU [government of national unity] where we invite everybody. So, we have not confined ourselves to the identity of a party because another political party may say we are not interested in it, and you would have to negotiate. At the end of the day, negotiations are informed by the readiness to compromise.” 

Neither the ANC nor DA have expressly written off a possible collaboration. However, the ANC says they are talking to all parties despite reportedly not receiving a response from the Jacob Zuma-led uMkhonto weSizwe party yet.

ALSO READ: