GNU gives Gwarube perspective on DA's approach of the future

The Democratic Alliance (DA)’s Siviwe Gwarube said being in the Government of National Unity (GNU) has given her a new perspective on how the party should approach the future, if it’s going to be successful in achieving its goals of growing the economy, reducing corruption and cutting wasteful spending.

Gwarube, who is the Minister of Basic Education, will be hoping to take up a position in the party’s leadership structure after this weekend’s federal congress.

She said a leadership shift within the party could help to bring fresh ideas and new perspectives to grow the party, as the only way to drive its reform agenda.

Gwarube believes that coalitions are the future of South African politics.

During her tenure as the party’s chief whip, she introduced private member’s bills in Parliament to give more structure and legality to coalitions.

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These bills are currently still under consideration as part of a possible merger with similar bills introduced by the government.

Growing the party to the country’s largest ahead of the 2029 national elections, Gwarube believes, has to become the party’s top focus.

“Yes, compromise will always have to be there in coalition country. However, you need to have the heft, you need to have the numbers within that government to be able to steer that government in the direction you wish it to go.”

Gwarube said the party needs to prepare for a time where the country may have a president that does not come from the African National Congress (ANC), or a GNU of a different configuration than at present.

“We need to make sure that we have the largest share of the pie so that the reforms we want to implement in South Africa are not lost.”

Gwarube is hoping to work towards this aim as one of the party’s three deputy federal chairpersons.