GNU will suffer a serious blow if the economy doesn't grow, says Leon

CAPE TOWN - As the Democratic Alliance (DA) navigates its political future within the Government of National Unity (GNU), former leader Tony Leon said the coalition could suffer a serious knock if it doesn’t boost the economy.

Spiking economic growth and creating jobs has been the DA's mantra from the onset as to why it entered the GNU and why it’s not leaving despite the sticking points. 

Leon believes that if there were greater collaboration from the ANC on the budget process, the DA may have relented on some of its recent court action, including the proposed value-added tax (VAT) increase. 

In his new book, launched in Cape Town on Monday, Leon talks about his role and his observations in having put together a GNU. 

While the DA believes the African National Congress (ANC)’s economic policies have thus far failed the country, Leon says all eyes are on the coalition to prove it can do better.

"It’s not just a DA thing. On the national interest, if we don’t improve those two metrics, then we’re in real trouble, then the DA and every other governing party will be in trouble in four years' time, in my view." 

Leon said the budget wrangling, which has forced the finance minister to draw up a third draft to present to parliament next week, could have played out differently if more consideration had been given to the DA’s reform proposals, such as devolving power over Cape Town’s port. 

"Don’t think they were unreasonable. The VAT hike was the basis of the negotiation but not the cause of the disagreement, if you like."

Leon believes the DA will continue to use its parliamentary power to challenge the ANC on their disagreements.