ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has made a stark admission, stating that his party does not like its Government of National Unity (GNU) partner, the Democratic Alliance (DA), nor the GNU arrangement itself. He insisted it was a “tactical move” made under difficult circumstances.
Mbalula’s comments came during a media briefing where he also responded to criticism from ANC veteran Naledi Pandor. At a recent memorial lecture, Pandor said the ANC had lost its former glory and that many South Africans now view the party with “disdain, horror and shame.” She argued that the party’s current leaders offer no solutions to the country’s crises.
Mbalula disagreed with the characterization that Pandor was attacking the party, instead framing her comments as a call for the ANC’s renewal.
On the topic of the GNU, formed after the ANC lost its majority in the 2024 elections, Mbalula was blunt. “Who likes the DA? We don’t like the DA. We don’t like the GNU. But the GNU was a tactical move,” he said. He described the DA as an ideological opponent but explained that the ANC’s National Executive Committee chose the GNU as the best short-term option from a limited set of choices, which included forming a minority government or re-running the election.
Tensions between the ANC and DA have been a constant feature of the GNU, with the DA opposing several key ANC policies. Despite this, the DA has chosen to remain in the partnership, citing a commitment to fighting corruption and promoting economic growth.
Mbalula made it clear that the GNU is not a long-term strategy. “If it ends, that’s okay,” he stated, adding that the South African people will ultimately decide what happens next. He also pushed back against suggestions of internal division, stating that all ANC members are expected to support the NEC’s decision.
