Cape Town- Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen has welcomed the passage of the Government of National Unity (GNU)’s first budget on Wednesday, describing it as a “savvy compromise.” This follows weeks of tension, where Steenhuisen had threatened to oppose the budget unless President Cyril Ramaphosa acted against two ministers facing allegations, after the president dismissed a DA minister.
Despite the compromise, the DA remains firm in its decision to boycott the upcoming National Dialogue, with Steenhuisen dismissing it as an African National Congress (ANC) strategy to boost its electoral prospects. “It’s not a dialogue; it’s a monologue. We’ll focus on delivering in our portfolios rather than engaging in another talkshop,” he stated.
The DA claims a partial victory with the removal of Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane just days before the budget vote. However, the party softened its stance on demanding the dismissal of Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane, ultimately supporting all departmental budget votes.
Steenhuisen acknowledged that the DA cannot always secure its demands but vowed to continue pressing for accountability within the GNU. “There are individuals in the GNU with serious allegations against them, and we will use our position to ensure they are held accountable,” he said.
