DA's failed ultimatum, Nkabane's future likely to feature on ANC NWC meeting's agenda

JOHANNESBURG - The Democratic Alliance (DA)'s failed ultimatum and the fate of the higher education minister are likely to make it onto the African National Congress (ANC)'s national working committee (NWC) agenda when it meets on Monday afternoon.

This will be the first time the NWC sits since the DA threatened the Government of National Unity (GNU) and then backtracked, announcing it would, instead, not participate in the National Dialogue.

There have been a series of rocky patches in the coalition government, with the latest chapter being brought on by President Cyril Ramaphosa's sacking of Andrew Whitfield as the deputy minister of trade and industry.

• 'Don't test us': Zille warns Ramaphosa that tabling no-confidence motion in him not an idle threat

• 'Even if the DA walks away, GNU will not collapse' - ANC's Mbalula

While some in the ANC's NWC have already downplayed the impact of the latest spat between the former liberation party and its coalition partner, the DA, others are growing frustrated and want out.

Senior members of the ANC are likely to affirm Ramaphosa's decision, which has largely been questioned due to the timing of his firing of Whitfield.

EWN understands that the president acted with political expediency in mind, with growing pressure in some pockets of the ANC that remain opposed to the GNU.

Meanwhile, the fate of Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane is likely to also come under discussion, this as some in and out of the party call for her head.

ALSO READ:

• Nkabane says she's apologised to Motau for naming him in SETA selection panel without his knowledge

• 2 Parly committee chairpersons come out in defence of under fire Nkabane

• Parly committee concerned about being misled by Nkabane on SETA board selection panel

Insiders are of the belief that she too should have been sacked, while others want Parliament to complete its process before she gets the boot.

The minister stands accused of lying to Parliament about her independent panel and the SETA board appointments.