The ANC has launched an urgent bid to rescue South Africa’s teetering Government of National Unity (GNU), ordering its negotiators to secure a reconstituted coalition within seven days – a move that includes unprecedented outreach to former rival ActionSA, Daily Maverick can reveal.
Multiple senior sources confirm the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) issued the directive during crisis talks this week, warning that the current fragile alliance with the Democratic Alliance (DA) and smaller parties risks “political paralysis” unless stabilised. The dramatic intervention follows:
- Mounting policy gridlock in Cabinet and metros
- DA threats to review participation over ANC’s stance on key bills
- Growing public disillusionment with GNU infighting
ActionSA Gambit
In a strategic pivot, the ANC has greenlit talks with Herman Mashaba’s market-friendly, anti-graft party – a former adversary. Insiders say the move aims to:
- Anchor the GNU’s ideological centre by replacing fractious partnerships with like-minded pro-growth allies
- Leverage ActionSA’s governance record in metros like Johannesburg
- Preempt opposition fragmentation ahead of 2026 local elections
“Pride can’t override stability – we need partners who won’t hold governance hostage,” an NWC member told Daily Maverick on condition of anonymity.
Race Against Time
Negotiators face a brutal deadline:
🗓️ Monday 8 July: Finalise new GNU framework
🔀 Portfolio reshuffles expected to accommodate potential entrants
⚠️ DA reaction remains wildcard after frosty response to ANC’s BEE concessions
ActionSA has yet to confirm engagement, but Mashaba’s past openness to “principled coalitions” suggests receptiveness. Meanwhile, the EFF has mocked the ANC’s scramble, calling it “a confession of GNU failure.”
Stakes for Ramaphosa
With the rand and business confidence sensitive to political stability, analysts warn the ANC has days to prove the GNU isn’t “a failed experiment”:
“This is about survival – another GNU crisis could trigger early elections,” said political analyst Ralph Mathekga.
As midnight negotiations begin, South Africa waits to see if its leaders can salvage unity – or accelerate into uncharted political territory.
