ANC NWC resolved to not engage in tit-for-tat with DA over departments’ budgets

JOHANNESBURG - The African National Congress (ANC)’s national working committee (NWC) has resolved not to engage in a tit-for-tat with the Democratic Alliance (DA) over the budgets of different departments.

EWN understands the NWC couldn’t close off on the state of the Government of National Unity (GNU) because party officials are yet to deliver a report on attempts to reset the coalition.

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The DA’s decision over the weekend follows its failed ultimatum demanding that President Cyril Ramaphosa reinstate axed Deputy Minister of Trade and Investment Andrew Whitfield.

Whitfield was fired for insubordination after he travelled to the United States (US) with his party.

The DA’s resolved not to vote for the budgets of compromised ministers and not to participate in the National Dialogue.

Some of the departments flagged by the DA include higher education, water and sanitation, as well as human settlements.

Despite weekend threats from the ANC that it too could retaliate against the budgets of DA ministers, EWN understands the NWC has decided against this move, with some insiders saying the budget was bigger than just the DA and shouldn’t be used for political squabbles.

NWC insiders have also told EWN that work on the National Dialogue will also continue, as it's about the citizens and not political parties.

Although there’s shared frustration in dealing with the DA, it's understood that most NWC members believe there are no problems in the GNU, minus just this one partner.

The matter, however, couldn’t be finalised, as ANC officials were not fully prepared for deliberations on the GNU, with a report on attempts to reset the coalitions yet to be tabled.

EWN understands that another NWC focusing on the GNU will take place before the national executive committee (NEC) meets later in July.