DA promises no lowered bar for SONA despite GNU position

The Democratic Alliance (DA) says it won’t be lowering the bar on its expectations of the State of the Nation Address (SONA), because it is now the second-biggest party in government.

Amid criticism from some quarters that the DA has been co-opted by the African National Congress (ANC) to go along with its policies, the party’s parliamentary chief whip, George Michalakis, says his party still expects to hear its views on economic growth and job creation reflected in Thursday night’s address.

Michalakis says his party will continue to play a constructive role in Parliament to ensure executive accountability.

From the main opposition to the Cabinet, Michalakis believes his party has contributed to improving the functioning of government since the 2024 elections, which has had benefits for ordinary South Africans.

"Our influence in the GNU has stabilised government debt, it has helped to get us off the grey list, it has brought inflation down, it has ensured that VAT doesn’t increase," Michalakis said.

While he expects the President to acknowledge the work done by DA ministers, Michalakis says his party will continue to question portfolios over which the party has no influence.

"Our accountability role is not co-opted into just saying yes to the ANC. If we have to hold anyone accountable, we robustly do so."

He says the DA will continue to challenge Black Economic Empowerment and cadre deployment policies, and to present alternative ways to grow the economy and create jobs.