So, what now? Rise Mzansi leader Songezo Zibi reflects on future of GNU
"The ANC is the DA's only friend and the two of them don't like each other anymore!" says Songezo Zibi, Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts and leader of Rise Mzansi.
RISE Mzansi’s national leader, Songezo Zibi. Picture: X/@Rise_Mzansi
702's Bongani Bingwa is joined by Zibi.
Listen below:
Could it be the straw that breaks the camel's back?
After some intense number crunching by the African National Congress (ANC), the party has managed to get the fiscal framework across the line in the National Assembly.
This is despite its biggest Government of National Unity (GNU) partner – the Democratic Alliance (DA) - and the Freedom Front Plus voting against it.
The DA says it will head to court and is also considering its position within the government.
Zibi explains the basis of the DA's legal action.
"It's not a substantive challenge on the policy proposals."
- Songezo Zibi, Leader - Rise Mzansi
"They are saying the manner in which the standing committee on finance conducted its business was not in accordance with the law."
- Songezo Zibi, Leader - Rise Mzansi
So, what now for the budget?
"We have to work hard over the next couple of weeks to find revenue proposals."
- Songezo Zibi, Leader - Rise Mzansi
So, will the GNU hold, asks Bingwa.
Zibi says that is not the pertinent question. The question is, "Will the DA stay in the coalition?"
"The problem is the DA is only speaking to the ANC. The rest of the parties speak to one another... including parties outside the GNU."
- Songezo Zibi, Leader - Rise Mzansi
"The ANC is the DA's only friend and the two of them don't like each other anymore!"
- Songezo Zibi, Leader - Rise Mzansi
Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.