'DA is a no-no': NUM makes stance clear on ANC-DA power-sharing deal

JOHANNESBURG - The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) has added to dissenting voices about the African National Congress (ANC)’s plans to join forces with the Democratic Alliance (DA) as parties finalise talks to form a new government. 

NUM, an affiliate of the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) said that a power-sharing deal with the DA would likely put workers’ interests on the back burner. 

Speaking on the second day of its policy conference in Boksburg on Wednesday, NUM president Dan Baipile rejected talks to include the DA in the government of national unity (GNU). 

"We are not ambiguous about that, we are straightforward about this resolution. There are many options out there but DA is a no-no." 

While the ANC has consulted with the tripartite alliance, including COSATU and the SACP,  Baipile said he doesn’t believe the DA is on the same page as the other parties. 

"If the ANC chooses not to listen to us, that is their baby, not ours. They must not blame us, they must know our position."