Zille says the ANC is acting arrogantly

CAPE TOWN - Democratic Alliance (DA) Federal Chairperson Helen Zille has dismissed criticism that the party is playing a game of chicken with the African National Congress (ANC) and is not serious about ever leaving the governing coalition. 

Speaking on 702 on Monday, Zille said her party is mindful of the consequences such a move would have on ordinary South Africans. 

Over the weekend the DA announced it would withdraw from the National Dialogue, which Zille claims would be “useless” without the participation of her party and its supporters.

The latest round of tensions has been sparked by President Cyril Ramaphosa firing DA MP Andrew Whitfield, as deputy minister for going on a DA trip without his permission.

Zille said that the ANC is ignoring the statement of intent signed between coalition parties at every turn, undermining her party, failing to consult on matters - and not being called out for it.

"For as long as they act arrogantly as if they are the only people running this government, then we will take a decision at every point, what the appropriate action is."

But she said that her party has to be commensurate in its response to the problematic issues - and the impact on the economic well being of the country, should the DA opt out of the Government of National Unity (GNU).

"So we have to decide, at what point is the ANC’s behaviour is so egregious that we think it’s worth taking the step that will have those consequences."

Zille also accused the ANC of failing to consult on the structure of the National Dialogue and of unilaterally naming an eminent persons’ panel without its knowledge.