The African National Congress (ANC) is under fire from its own members over its decision to form a Government of National Unity (GNU) with the Democratic Alliance (DA). Malusi Gigaba, a former minister and ANC National Executive Committee member, has led the criticism, warning that the DA’s opposition to progressive economic policies threatens to reverse South Africa’s democratic progress.
Gigaba argues that the DA’s market-friendly approach clashes with the ANC’s commitment to transformation and inequality reduction. His concerns are shared by party veterans, who fear the alliance could dilute the ANC’s identity and alienate its voter base. The controversy comes after the ANC’s worst electoral performance since 1994, raising questions about President Cyril Ramaphosa’s leadership.
Political analyst Professor Sipho Seepe says the GNU has exposed an “identity crisis” within the ANC as it tries to reconcile its historical principles with coalition governance. Gigaba has urged the party to reclaim its independence, cautioning that continued compromise with the DA could lead to long-term decline.
While ANC leadership defends the GNU as necessary for stability after losing its parliamentary majority, internal pressure is growing to instead partner with more ideologically aligned parties like the EFF or uMkhonto weSizwe.
With the 2026 local elections approaching, analysts say the ANC must carefully manage these divisions to avoid further electoral setbacks. The future of the GNU remains uncertain as the party struggles to balance coalition politics with its founding mission.