African National Congress Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has acknowledged that Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema was correct in stating that the ANC had asked the EFF to abstain from voting on the national budget. This request was made to help the ANC secure the necessary parliamentary support.
Mbalula’s confirmation follows days of political debate and public exchanges between the two parties, raising concerns about the stability of the recently formed Government of National Unity.
According to Mbalula, the ANC’s approach to the EFF was part of efforts to maintain governance stability amid rising tensions within the multiparty unity government. However, he emphasized that the request was not part of a formal negotiation but rather a political appeal to prevent a potential crisis.
Earlier, EFF leader Julius Malema had revealed that the ANC sought his party’s support through abstention. However, the EFF set a strict condition: the removal of the Democratic Alliance and Freedom Front Plus from the unity government.
Malema’s comments have further exposed the ideological divide between the EFF and the more centrist and right-leaning parties in the GNU, particularly the DA and FF+, whose participation in the coalition has been contentious among left-wing factions.
Mbalula, while confirming the discussion, stated that the ANC would not restructure the GNU under pressure. He said, “The GNU represents a commitment to inclusive governance. We cannot govern by exclusion, nor can we abandon the principle of unity just to win a vote.”
Political analysts argue that the ANC’s appeal to the EFF signals uncertainty about securing enough support for the budget. Without an outright majority in the National Assembly, the ANC now depends heavily on coalition partners and occasional opposition cooperation to pass key legislation.
This standoff also highlights the fragility of the GNU, formed after the 2024 elections when no single party won a majority. The inclusion of ideologically diverse parties, such as the ANC, DA, and FF+, was intended to ensure stability, but underlying tensions remain unresolved.