By: Bright Ntuli
The African National Congress (ANC) says it remains committed to the success of the Government of National Unity (GNU) and will continue to work with all willing partners in advancing the values enshrined in South Africa’s Constitution.
This follows an announcement by Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen that his party will no longer participate in the National Dialogue, after President Cyril Ramaphosa dismissed DA member and Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Andrew Whitfield.
Whitfield was removed from office after he allegedly undertook an unauthorised international trip without the necessary clearance from Parliament.
In response to the DA’s decision, ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said it was “rather surprising” that the DA had chosen not to support the National Dialogue, particularly given the importance of collaborative governance under the GNU framework. She added that the ANC remains open to engaging with all political stakeholders who are genuinely committed to nation-building and constitutional democracy.
The DA had earlier issued an ultimatum to President Ramaphosa, demanding that he remove several ANC ministers and deputy ministers implicated in corruption. The DA has threatened to block budget votes for certain ministries if its concerns are not addressed. Despite the current tensions, the party has not formally exited the GNU.