ANC and EFF Deadlock Over Government of National Unity as DA Inclusion Remains Sticking Point

The African National Congress (ANC) and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) remain locked in a high-stakes standoff over collaboration in South Africa’s Government of National Unity (GNU), with the ANC’s refusal to exclude the Democratic Alliance (DA) and Freedom Front Plus (FF+) emerging as the central barrier. Despite overlapping ideological goals—including land reform, nationalization, and pro-poor economic policies—the ANC’s commitment to its current GNU partners underscores a strategic pivot toward stability over radical realignment, analysts say.

The ANC and EFF share a left-wing populist vision, advocating for radical economic transformation, expropriation of land without compensation, and state control of strategic sectors like mines and banks. Both parties have historically aligned in Parliament on these issues, most notably during motions to amend Section 25 of the Constitution to enable land redistribution. However, the ANC’s decision to form a GNU with the DA and FF+—parties advocating market-led reforms and minority rights—has exposed a rift between ideology and pragmatism.

“The ANC is caught between its ideological soul and the practical demands of governance,” said political analyst Prof. Susan Booysen. “Dropping the DA and FF+ would appease the EFF but risk alienating moderates and investors who view these parties as buffers against radical policy shifts.”

The ANC’s reluctance to sever ties with the DA stems from multiple factors. First, the DA’s support base and technocratic expertise in economic management lend credibility to the GNU, which the ANC views as critical to reassuring markets and international partners. Second, internal ANC factions reportedly oppose EFF collaboration, fearing the party’s disruptive tactics and potential erosion of ANC dominance.

“The DA-ANC marriage is transactional, not romantic,” said DA federal chairperson Helen Zille. “But in a fragile economy, stability trumps ideology.” Removing the DA would require the ANC to gamble on EFF cooperation without guarantees of policy coherence. Moreover, the DA’s threat to exit the GNU and collapse the coalition amplifies risks for the ANC, which lacks a parliamentary majority.

For the EFF, joining the GNU would demand significant concessions. The party has historically rejected coalitions that dilute its non-negotiable demands, including land expropriation and nationalization. However, analysts suggest the EFF might soften its stance in exchange for key ministerial portfolios such as Mineral Resources or Land Reform and a binding commitment to advance its legislative agenda.

“The EFF wants tangible power, not just symbolism,” said EFF spokesperson Sinawo Thambo. “We’ll only engage if the ANC abandons neoliberal puppets and prioritizes the people.” Yet the EFF also faces pressure to avoid legitimizing a GNU it has dismissed as “a coalition of white monopoly capital.” Entering government without achieving core goals could alienate its base, which expects unwavering radicalism.

The ANC’s dilemma hinges on balancing its transformative ambitions with the realities of coalition governance. While an ANC-EFF alliance could accelerate progressive reforms, it risks policy gridlock and economic turbulence. Conversely, maintaining the DA and FF+ ensures continuity but entrenches ideological contradictions.

As negotiations stall, the GNU’s survival may depend on whether the ANC views the EFF as a necessary ally or a destabilizing force—and whether the EFF values power over purity. For now, South Africa’s political future hangs in the balance, teetering between radical change and cautious consensus.

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