Alpha Ramushwana13 August 2025 | 8:00

Policy differences within GNU continue to threaten its stability, says researcher

Susan Booysen was the lead researcher for the Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection’s latest coalition barometer.

Policy differences within GNU continue to threaten its stability, says researcher

FILE: Newly sworn-in Cabinet ministers pose for a photo with Chief Justice Raymond Zondo and President Cyril Ramaphosa on 3 July 2024. Picture: GCIS

JOHANNESBURG - Researcher Susan Booysen said that policy differences within the Government of National Unity (GNU) continue to threaten the coalition's stability.

Booysen was the lead researcher for the Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection’s latest coalition barometer.

ALSO READ: Study suggests ANC likely to only retain majority in 2 provinces after 2029 general elections

The report suggests the African National Congress (ANC)’s difficulty in accepting power sharing and the Democratic Alliance (DA)’s performative politics are affecting the coalition’s stability.

However, she said that the smaller parties in the GNU do not pose a threat to the coalition.

"Small parties in the coalition do not come with policy demands that we are made well aware of. The bulk of the small parties know they are never going to go anywhere else but being elevated in the coalition. So, they have got no intention to leave, and they are very loyal to their coalition’s main partner."