ANC bemoans DA’s behaviour amid continued GNU tensions

JOHANNESBURG - Tensions within the Government of National Unity (GNU) remain at centre stage – this time with the African National Congress (ANC) bemoaning the Democratic Alliance (DA)’s behaviour.

Speaking at a media briefing at Luthuli House in Johannesburg on Tuesday, ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula said the DA has been acting and negotiating in bad faith.

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The two parties have been at loggerheads over to the 0.5% value-added tax (VAT) increase contained in Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana’s approved fiscal policy framework.

Mbalula presented outcomes of the ANC’s national working committee (NWC) meeting.

The ANC is seemingly fed up with its never-ending disputes with the DA, with Mbalula suggesting the blue party has been a nightmare.

He cited the DA’s rejection of the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act, Expropriation Act and the national budget to back his assertion that the DA has been pulling the GNU back.

Mbalula said the DA needs to decide whether it wants to be in government or return to the opposition benches.

“The DA seeks to divide government, confuse the public, and claim credit without assuming responsibility. This dishonesty undermines the very essence of collective governance.”

The ANC has now opened negotiations with all parties within the GNU and in the opposition to resolve the budget impasse.