The Democratic Alliance (DA) has navigated a challenging year in South Africa’s Government of National Unity (GNU) alongside the African National Congress (ANC), with DA federal council chairperson Helen Zille calling the partnership a “culture shock.”
Zille acknowledged the ANC’s adherence to the coalition agreement but highlighted frustrations. “We were naive to expect certain elements to be taken for granted,” she said, pointing to unmet expectations around honouring commitments and following agreed processes. The coalition has faced several disputes, including over budget votes, with the DA initially threatening to withhold support for some departments.
Despite recent tensions, the DA supported the Appropriation Bill, the final step to pass the 2025/2026 budget in Parliament.
Zille cited the recent dismissal of Dr Nobuhle Nkabane as Minister of Higher Education as a moment that tested the DA’s resolve. The party considered multiple options, including withdrawing from the National Dialogue or opposing specific budgets, but chose not to destabilise the government. “We decided it wasn’t something we should bring the government down for,” Zille explained.
The DA affirmed its commitment to the GNU for the foreseeable future, emphasising a pragmatic approach to coalition dynamics.
