South Africa: ANC partner quits key govt initiative as new spat hits coalition
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South Africa’s coalition government is under fresh strain after the DA withdrew from the president’s national unity initiative.
South Africa: Coalition Turmoil Deepens as DA Quits Key Government Initiative
Firing of DA deputy minister sparks fresh political rift in ANC-led alliance
South Africa’s fragile coalition government is once again under pressure after the Democratic Alliance (DA) withdrew from President Cyril Ramaphosa’s national dialogue initiative, citing deepening mistrust and unaddressed corruption within the ruling African National Congress (ANC).
The decision comes just as the coalition marked its first year in power, formed after the ANC lost its parliamentary majority in the 2024 general elections for the first time in three decades.
The Spark: Unauthorized Travel
The latest rift was triggered by Ramaphosa’s dismissal of DA’s Andrew Whitfield, who served as Deputy Minister for Trade. According to the presidency, Whitfield made an unauthorized trip to the United States, violating travel protocols that require presidential approval.
In response, the DA demanded Ramaphosa dismiss three ANC ministers facing corruption allegations within 48 hours—a demand the presidency called “threats and ultimatums” that would not pressure the head of state.
DA Pulls Out of National Dialogue
Following the fallout, the DA officially withdrew from Ramaphosa’s “national dialogue” initiative, which the president launched to foster national unity and tackle pressing issues such as unemployment and violent crime.
DA leaders say the initiative has been rendered hollow by what they view as the ANC’s refusal to act against corruption within its ranks.
Coalition in Crisis?
The ANC-DA coalition was always a marriage of necessity, not ideology. The two parties have clashed repeatedly over economic policies, Black economic empowerment, and fiscal priorities.
While the coalition allowed the ANC to retain power, policy paralysis and public disagreements have increasingly eroded confidence in the alliance’s ability to govern cohesively.
What’s Next?
Political analysts warn that continued instability could undermine both investor confidence and public trust as South Africa grapples with economic stagnation, load shedding, and a rising cost of living.
With the DA now out of the president’s flagship unity initiative and tensions escalating, questions loom over the durability of the coalition and the future of Ramaphosa’s presidency.
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