Steenhuisen: Passing of GNU’s first budget a good balance of compromise

CAPE TOWN - Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen has described the passing of the Government of National Unity (GNU)’s first budget on Wednesday night as a good balance of compromise.

Just four weeks ago, Steenhuisen was threatening to tank the budget if President Cyril Ramaphosa didn’t act against two compromised ministers, after Ramaphosa fired one of the DA’s own.

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But while the DA is claiming a win for the firing of Nobuhle Nkabane as higher education minister, less than 48 hours before the budget vote, it remains adamant it won’t participate in the upcoming national dialogue.

Relenting on one of its demands that Minister of Human Settlements Thembi Simelane should also face the chop, the DA walked back their threat to vote against the budget, instead supporting the budget votes of all departments.

Steenhuisen said although the party has to accept it can’t always get what it wants, it won’t let up on the insistence that more ministers be removed from the executive.

“There are other people within the GNU that we believe have deep clouds over their heads and we will continue to use our position within the GNU to make sure they are held accountable.”

But while it balances compromise and trade-offs, the party remains steadfast it’s not about to do a U-turn on opting out of the upcoming National Dialogue.

“It’s not a dialogue, it’s a monologue. It’s nothing about the country. It’s about the ANC [African National Congress] trying to revive their own electoral fortunes.”

Steenhuisen said unless proven otherwise, his party will rather concentrate on delivering in their portfolios rather than participate in yet another talkshop.