The Democratic Alliance (DA) has withdrawn its threat to table a motion of no confidence against President Cyril Ramaphosa, opting to remain in the Government of National Unity (GNU) despite ongoing tensions with the African National Congress (ANC). DA Federal Council chairperson Helen Zille announced on Tuesday that the party would not proceed with the motion “for now,” but stressed it would not tolerate being “bullied” by the ANC within the GNU.

The decision follows a fallout over the dismissal of Trade and Industry deputy minister Andrew Whitfield last week, which prompted the DA to pull out of the National Dialogue. The DA also accused Ramaphosa of ignoring corruption allegations against Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane, who faces scrutiny over Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETA) board appointments.

Political analysts have labelled the DA’s actions as “grandstanding.” Professor Sipho Seepe argued that the DA’s threats are attention-seeking, noting that a rand crash would self-correct and that the ANC is unlikely to expel the DA from the GNU due to business interests supporting Ramaphosa. “The DA hates the idea of an ANC, EFF, and MK Party government, so they’ll stick it out,” Seepe said, adding that big business, not Zille, dictates the DA’s GNU participation.

Analyst Sandile Swana called the DA’s reasons for staying in the GNU “arbitrary,” pointing to their failure to grow the Western Cape economy beyond 2% annually, against a needed 5.4%. He suggested the DA and business interests are using the GNU to block the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and MK Party from power.

Zille acknowledged the DA’s numerical strength to potentially outvote Ramaphosa but said the party would pursue “intermediate steps” to address concerns. She warned that if Ramaphosa expelled the DA from the GNU, the rand would crash, investors would flee, and South Africa could face exclusion from AGOA, increasing unemployment and tariffs. However, she insisted the DA would not be a “doormat” and has a contingency plan if ousted.

ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula cautioned the DA against disrespecting Ramaphosa, stressing that threats to destabilise the GNU are taken seriously.