ANC deputy president Paul Mashatile has urged the DA and other GNU parties to use reason.
Amid reports of tensions inside the nation’s coalition government, the Government of National Unity (GNU), Mashatile made an appeal for reason and togetherness during a media briefing conducted by the party on Monday outside the ANC headquarters at Luthuli House in Johannesburg.
Mashatile addressed the conflict between Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Democratic Alliance (DA) Federal Leader Helen Zille at the ANC’s reflection on the first 100 days of the GNU.
He emphasised the significance of settling disputes peacefully.
“With Helen Zille and Panyaza, I am sure they will be able to resolve their issues,” Mashatile stated.
He added that if the DA chooses to distance itself from a collaborative approach, it should not impede the ANC’s ability to govern effectively.
“If the DA does not want to work with you, leave them behind. It is not your problem, and they must not make it our problem, nationally,” he asserted.
Despite the inherent differences between the parties that constitute the GNU, Mashatile acknowledged that such divergences are expected and stem from each party representing distinct constituencies.
“It is not going to be easy to avoid public spats. Our ministers are reporting to us,” he said, highlighting the complexity of managing a coalition government.
The deputy president reassured citizens of significant progress, claiming substantial achievements in infrastructure and power supply.
Efforts have been made to ensure thousands of days without load shedding, and plans for a R350 billion investment in a transmission line have been initiated.
“As we succeed, we, the ANC, can claim success of the GNU. If the GNU fails, we all fail,” Mashatile reflected, insisting on shared accountability among coalition members.
However, the harmonious façade of the GNU is not entirely intact. The South African Communist Party (SACP) recently made headlines by snubbing an invitation to commemorative celebrations, voicing dissatisfaction with the coalition’s direction.
SACP Secretary-General Solly Mapaila remarked: “On the 100 days of the GNU celebrations, we have rejected the invitation… it feels sad, but we will not be going.”
This development signals a potential rift within the alliance that could complicate future collaboration.
Despite the SACP’s absence, ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula attempted to downplay the significance of the snub, clarifying that the event was intended as a reflection rather than a celebration.
“There is nothing to celebrate. We are thanking our people for voting (for) the ANC and committing ourselves,” he stated, reinforcing the message that the focus should remain on the work at hand based on the lessons learned over the past months.
While internal disagreements simmer, Mashatile expressed optimism about the GNU’s potential, reassuring members and supporters that it is premature to engage in discussions about succession ahead of upcoming provincial conferences.
“We are focused on important things, and we are doing well,” he concluded, leaving the door ajar for future collaboration within a government that, he believes, can and should continue to evolve.
The Star