Patriotic Alliance (PA) leader Gayton McKenzie has issued his strongest warning yet to the African National Congress (ANC), declaring that his party is prepared to pull out of every coalition agreement with the ruling party and instead align with the Democratic Alliance (DA).
Speaking at a media briefing on Wednesday, McKenzie accused the ANC of undermining the PA’s role in governance, citing the recent removal of PA deputy president Kenny Kunene from his municipal portfolio as the final straw.
“They probably think because I’m a minister they can do what they like with the PA,” McKenzie said pointedly. “If they don’t put Kenny Kunene back, we will leave every coalition we have with the ANC.”
In a statement that sent shockwaves through coalition politics, McKenzie further insisted the PA would not shy away from striking deals with the official opposition.
“And we will form a coalition with the DA. I’m telling you today, we don’t have that thing of ‘we’ll never work with the DA.’ We will form a coalition with the DA if they’re going to treat us like that, this ANC,” he added.
The remarks come amid heightened tensions in metros and municipalities where fragile coalition arrangements are already under pressure. The ANC has leaned on smaller parties like the PA to secure governing majorities, particularly in Gauteng municipalities, while the DA has sought to consolidate opposition alliances under its “moonshot pact.”
Analysts say McKenzie’s declaration could mark a turning point in the country’s coalition landscape. By opening the door to an alliance with the DA, the PA could tilt power balances in key municipalities such as Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni.
The ANC has yet to respond formally to McKenzie’s ultimatum, but party insiders have acknowledged that the fallout over Kunene’s removal has deepened mistrust between the two partners.
Political commentator Sipho Maseko notes that McKenzie’s hardline stance underscores the volatility of coalition politics. “This is no longer just about portfolios,” Maseko explained. “It’s about respect, influence, and who sets the terms of power. The PA feels sidelined, and McKenzie is signaling that they won’t be taken for granted.”
With local government stability hanging in the balance, all eyes will now be on whether the ANC moves to placate the PA—or whether South Africa is about to witness a dramatic reshuffling of coalition loyalties.