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Democratic Alliance (DA) press conference.
The conflict between the two biggest parties in the GNU, the DA and ANC, could escalate if there is a dispute about support for departmental Budget votes. This is according to political analyst from the Nelson Mandela University’s Center for Security, Peace and Conflict Resolution, Dr Ntsikelelo Breakfast.
It follows an announcement by the DA on the weekend that it will not support Budgets headed by ANC ministers who they deem to be compromised.
Last week the DA gave President Cyril Ramaphosa an ultimatum of 48 hours to remove Higher Education and Training Minister, Doctor Nobuhle Nkabane, Human Settlements Minister, Thembi Simelane and Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, David Mahlobo. This, in the light of the firing of deputy Trade, Industry and Competition Minister, Andrew Whitfield.
The ANC has indicated that it reserves its right to do the same where DA headed ministries are involved, but is not inclined to do so.
Breakfast says this could just make the relationship between the two parties much worse.
“I think it just worsens this situation. The same goes to the ANC by saying that they won’t vote for the Budget of the DA for this minister or that minister as well. So, both of them behave like a couple that says they are married, but at the same time, they sleep in different rooms. So, whether that marriage will succeed or not, yeah, I leave it to the Lord. But part of me thinks that it will,” says Breakfast.
DA National Spokesperson, Karabo Khakhau says should the African National Congress (ANC) respond by not supporting the Budgets of departments headed by Democratic Alliance (DA) ministers, that will be an act of vengeance.
Over the weekend the DA announced that it will not support budgets headed by ANC ministers whom they deem compromised.
National Dialogue | Political Analyst Dr. Dale Mckinley weighs in on DA’s withdrawal:
Following the expiry of the 48 hours, the DA announced it would withdraw support for the Budgets of these ministries as well as its participation in the August National Dialogue.
While the ANC says its caucus also reserves the right not to support DA Ministers, it says the ball is in the DA’s court.
Khaukhau says the ANC’s reaction to their announcements are not in the best interest of South Africans.
Meanwhile, the Executive Secretary of the Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution, Lawson Naidoo, reckons the withdrawal of support by the DA, is not an insurmountable problem for the ANC.
“The DA has already supported the fiscal framework enabling the Budget. The overall budget to be passed. The coalition without the DA still has a more than 50% majority, but the ANC may need other parties, such as ActionSA, to support these departmental votes to ensure their smooth passage,” says Naidoo.
DA resolve to stay in the GNU:
