April 1st: The Day the GNU Cracked Under Pressure

A budget standoff, political backstabbing, and a fractured coalition—how South Africa’s unity government reached its breaking point.

What was apparent to millions of South Africans appears to be forming as more of a reality, as the Government of National Unity could be at its end in its current state. The ANC passing a budget without the DA's support leaves a huge question about the GNU.

There is no understating that both the DA and the ANC, though appearing to co-govern, struggled to find alignment on political issues. The signing of the BELA Bill Act, the NHI Bill, the GNU negotiations, and the budget were riddled with instability in negotiations, leaks to the media, and a great deal of politicking to amass public support.

The budget, the first true test of the government, exposed an already fatigued and unworkable relationship. Throughout the media, it appeared that the ANC and the DA had been nearing an agreement after a postponed budget speech, yet no agreement availed itself.

The ANC, joined by the IFP, PA, GOOD, Rise Mzansi, UDM, PAC, Al Jama-ah, and BOSA, decided to pass the budget. A recommendation has been tabled by ActionSA to find an alternative to the VAT increase.

The recommendation, by law, has no binding factor, and legality around the budget process has been put into question by the DA, MKP, and the EFF, potentially leading to a prolonged fight between the ANC and the DA, both legally and publicly.

Prior to the vote, it was apparent that the cordial sentiment between the parties was starting to take a turn for the worse. Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula stated, “If we engage in this process in terms of political scoring, it may lead to a situation where the GNU itself has to be reconfigured,” in response to the demands that had been presented by the DA.

President Cyril Ramaphosa told the ANC in a leaked audio recording that the DA had “locked itself into a most unpleasant cul-de-sac” regarding their demands and “that one shouldn’t interrupt an adversary when they are making a mistake.” It was clear the ANC was preparing for the DA's exit.

The response to the entire proceeding has been a return to the old for many South Africans. The DA actively critiques the ANC and sits amongst the opposition rather than in government.

DA MP and finance spokesperson Mark Burke called the committee proceedings on Tuesday, April 1, “a farcical day for a farcical process leading to a farcical report.” It was apparent that the DA was no longer in good standing with the ANC.

Now, the parties seem to be severing ties but refusing to take the blame. Each party wants to paint the other as the villain, as they both desperately attempt to play the victim and win the hearts and minds of South Africans.

DA leader John Steenhuisen said, “The DA refuses to give in to the ANC’s tax increases. They remain hellbent on making people poorer. The ANC is out of touch with the people, and if they bought their own groceries or filled their own tank, they would know how expensive life already is.” The DA refuses to be a part of further economic mismanagement.

Juxtaposed with the ANC's tone, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana stated on Wednesday, “You can’t vote against the Budget, and the next day, you want to implement that Budget. We have to draw a line.” This potentially hinted at the end of the friendly relationship and partnership.

This appears to be very much in line with President Ramaphosa’s stance, which sees the DA walking itself out of the GNU. In the leaked audio, he said, “And if [DA leader John Steenhuisen] asked if the ANC says we should leave the GNU? I said the ball is in your court. You have put yourself in this position, so you need to work your way out.” This signaled a clear end to the GNU.

The only question now is who leads the end. Do DA ministers opt to hand in their resignation letters and exit the cabinet, declaring defeat in the mission to keep the EFF and MK out of office for the foreseeable future?

Does the ANC show them the exit and parade as they reclaim the role of leader within the GNU? Even with a minority government or just on the edge of a majority, do they claim victory in the game of political chess, or do they show remorse?

It is important to point out that there has been a staggering amount of concessions from the initially rumored budget of a 2% increase. Grants were not increased as initially suspected, funds were decreased, and money was found. It was by no means the best or the most efficient, but it signaled evolution in the process and thinking behind the budget.

The ANC, in the end, got its way, but only after multiple negotiation talks and a great deal of strategy. However, South Africans remain in a worse situation. With more political instability plaguing the GNU, an increased VAT on May 1, and legal battles mounting, the government seems devoid of the people's needs and wants.

The DA may hold some truth in saying that South Africans cannot afford to pay VAT after years of ANC economic mismanagement. There is a need for a more structured and idealized plan with clear goals, deadlines, and long-term strategies that place South Africa as a focused economy rather than one built on endless hopes and promises synonymous with political speeches.

This may mean a win for one party and a defeat for another, but it does not provide the clarity, stability, and security that many South Africans desperately need. There is a need for more mature, responsible, and people-focused leadership that listens to the streets and builds upon the visions of Steve Biko, Oliver Tambo, Desmond Tutu, and the multitude of world leaders who put people first.

April 1, 2025, will be remembered as the day the GNU failed to govern for the people of South Africa. Instead, it chose to hold onto its political agendas and ideologies, unwilling to prevent the demise of a nation, its people, and a place that millions call home.