Tensions in South Africa’s Government of National Unity (GNU) have escalated after DA leader John Steenhuisen announced an urgent reset in the coalition partnership.
John Steenhuisen blasts ANC in fiery address
His statement followed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to sign the contentious Expropriation Bill into law earlier this week.
Steenhuisen criticised the ANC for what he described as a disregard for coalition agreements and accused the ruling party of undermining GNU principles.
During a press briefing, Steenhuisen declared a formal dispute, invoking Section 19 of the GNU Statement of Intent.
He accused the ANC of acting unilaterally, citing the Expropriation Act and the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act as key points of contention.
He emphasised that the DA joined the GNU to represent voters and prevent further ANC mismanagement, but recent actions by the ruling party have eroded trust.
“The DA will not, under any circumstances, be reduced to spectators. The President must accept that his party is just another minority party, and the DA are equal partners in the GNU,” Steenhuisen said.
He also noted that Public Works Minister Dean MacPherson had submitted a legal opinion declaring the Expropriation Act unconstitutional, which Ramaphosa ignored.
ANC immovable on reversing Expropriation Act
The ANC has welcomed the enactment of the Expropriation Act, which repeals apartheid-era laws and provides a framework for land expropriation in the public interest.
The party stated that the Act aligns with South Africa’s Constitution and aims to address historical injustices by facilitating equitable land reform.
Fikile Mbalula, Secretary-General of the ANC, dismissed the DA’s objections as fearmongering, stating:
“This legislation is about inclusion and recognizsing the historical injustices suffered by the majority of black South Africans. It is not an attack on any group but a step toward radical economic transformation.”
The ANC made it clear that the Act requires authorities to negotiate reasonable terms with property owners before exercising expropriation.
Chief Whip Mdumiseni Ntuli lauded the legislation’s potential to promote socio-economic development and reduce inequality.
The Expropriation Act replaces the apartheid-era Expropriation Act of 1975. It allows the government to expropriate land for public purposes, including land reform and infrastructure development, provided it serves the public interest.
The Act stipulates that expropriation without compensation can occur in specific cases, such as abandoned or unused land.
Critics, including the DA, argue that the Act risks discouraging investment and enabling property seizures without sufficient checks.
However, proponents believe it will address systemic inequalities and empower dispossessed communities.
As the GNU faces mounting tensions, both parties remain entrenched in their positions.
The DA has warned that its participation in the coalition depends on mutual respect and adherence to the Statement of Intent, while the ANC continues to champion its legislative agenda as essential for transformation.