We interview Helen Zille: 'World’s confidence in South Africa premised on DA being in GNU'
The Democratic Alliance has decided not to back the national dialogue and to vote against budgets presented by ministers linked to corruption.
DA federal chairperson, Helen Zille, addressed a media briefing on 28 June 2025. Picture: @Our_DA/X
John Maytham (in for Lester Kiewit on CapeTalk) speaks with DA Federal Council Chair Helen Zille.
Listen below:
The DA has decided to retaliate against the firing of Andrew Whitfield, a DA MP and Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition.
While they will not be leaving the Government of National Unity (GNU), they will also not be making things easy for the ANC.
Zille says the party is aiming to match its response to the infringement, without leaving the GNU.
She argues that the consequences of the DA leaving would be dire.
“The value of the rand would plunge. We would almost certainly have 30% tariffs and have America pull us out of AGOA, which would create thousands of job losses.”
- Helen Zille
“The world’s confidence in South Africa, if it has any, is premised on the DA being in this Government of National Unity.”
- Helen Zille
Zille says the DA has made significant changes and developments in its portfolios despite challenges in the GNU.
RELATED: ‘The president shall NOT yield to threats or ultimatums’ – The Presidency
She adds that the DA will not be filing a motion of no confidence against President Cyril Ramaphosa at this stage, but has worked out that they would have 197 votes in support of the motion.
“We do not need to hit the nuclear button immediately.”
- Helen Zille
Scroll up to the audio player for more.