ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has issued a direct challenge to party members, declaring that securing an outright majority in the next general elections is the only way to break free from the political constraints imposed by the Government of National Unity (GNU). His remarks highlight growing ANC frustration with policy compromises, particularly with the Democratic Alliance (DA), and signal a strategic pivot toward reclaiming single-party dominance.
GNU Challenges Prompt ANC Rethink
Speaking at a media briefing on Tuesday, Mbalula acknowledged the GNU’s role in maintaining stability but emphasized its limitations. The coalition, formed after the ANC failed to secure a majority in the 2024 elections, has been marked by ideological clashes with the DA, particularly on land reform, economic transformation, and affirmative action.
“The only way to escape this suffocating arrangement is by winning an outright majority,” Mbalula stated. “We cannot keep compromising on policies our voters expect us to implement. The ANC must govern decisively, without constant resistance.”
Tensions with DA Reach Breaking Point
Mbalula accused the DA of obstructing key ANC policies, creating legislative gridlock. While he affirmed the GNU’s necessity for governance continuity, his comments suggest the ANC is preparing to campaign aggressively for a stronger mandate in 2029.
“The DA openly opposes policies rooted in social justice and economic empowerment,” he said. “We respect differing views, but our voters demand action—not endless negotiations.”
A Shift in ANC Strategy?
Political analysts view Mbalula’s stance as a potential turning point. The ANC, once the dominant force in South African politics, now faces a fractured electorate and coalition governance complexities. His call for a renewed majority signals a return to the party’s traditional playbook: mobilizing its base to restore uncontested control.
However, whether voters will rally behind this vision remains uncertain. The ANC’s electoral performance has declined in recent years, and opposition parties like the DA and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have capitalized on dissatisfaction with service delivery and corruption.
The Road to 2029
Mbalula’s remarks set the stage for a fiercely contested election cycle. The ANC’s ability to regain a majority hinges on convincing voters that it can govern more effectively alone than in coalition. Meanwhile, tensions within the GNU are unlikely to ease, as policy disputes persist and coalition partners jockey for influence.
As South Africa approaches the next electoral test, Mbalula’s message is clear: the ANC must either reclaim its dominance or remain trapped in a governance model that dilutes its agenda. The coming years will determine whether the party can rally enough support to break free—or if coalition politics will remain the new normal.
