Anc Dares Da To Walk Out Of Gnu

ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula has hit back at suggestions that the party is beholden to the Democratic Alliance DA, saying it awaits divorce papers from the blue party or an explanation of how it can stay in the government of national unity GNU after voting against the fiscal framework.

The ANC has faced criticism of being controlled by its biggest partner in the coalition and tension escalated last week after the DA joined opposition parties in voting against adopting the revised framework in parliament, raising doubts about its continued participation in the GNU.

Mbalula told a media briefing on Tuesday that the 10-party coalition would remain intact even if the DA chose to exit. He said the ANC was loyal to the GNU, and not the DA, which he accused of undermining the grouping by politicking to extend the budget impasse.

He also dismissed the notion that the ANC was planning a cabinet reshuffle to purge DA ministers or was deliberately pushing the party out. Instead, Mbalula laid the blame at the DAs door, saying the party must decide whether it still wished to govern in coalition with the ANC.

If the ANC tomorrow takes a decision that we are abandoning the GNU, we are out it is the ANCs decision. The DA must then answer the question, not us, Mbalula said. If you are part of a government, and you dont agree with the budget, how do you continue to sit there? Its a logical question.