Things are heating up in South Africa’s political landscape.
After a turbulent week marked by the surprise dismissal of Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry Andrew Whitfield, Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen has made it clear: the DA is not walking away from the Government of National Unity (GNU)—but it is stepping out of the National Dialogue.
Steenhuisen Slams ANC Over Dismissal Drama
During a media briefing, Steenhuisen didn’t hold back.
He accused the African National Congress (ANC) of playing dirty, saying the ruling party was behaving with double standards and putting politics ahead of the country’s needs.
He said the DA has been committed to delivering real results for South Africans since joining the GNU—but in his view, President Cyril Ramaphosa hasn’t returned the favour.
“The ANC has consistently rejected meaningful cooperation,” Steenhuisen said.
“They’ve chosen political self-interest over working together for the good of the country.”
DA Demands Action on Corruption, Slams Ramaphosa’s Silence
The DA had previously given Ramaphosa a 48-hour ultimatum to address corruption and respond to Whitfield’s firing.
That deadline came and went without action—and Steenhuisen is not impressed.
He warned that if the ANC doesn’t seriously rethink how it treats coalition partners and tackles corruption, it could put the entire country’s future at risk.
“We’ve tried to act in the best interest of South Africa,” Steenhuisen said, “but the ANC has to meet us halfway.”
DA Walks Away From National Dialogue Table
While the DA is sticking with the GNU, the party’s Federal Executive has voted to walk away from the National Dialogue.
Steenhuisen made it clear that they no longer see value in continuing conversations that aren’t yielding real change.
The move signals that tensions within the GNU aren’t just simmering—they’re boiling over.
Mixed Reactions from the Public
On social media, especially on X (formerly Twitter), South Africans had plenty to say.
Some people were frustrated that the DA didn’t pull out of the GNU altogether.
Others questioned whether the party’s words really matched its actions.
There’s a growing sense that people want clearer accountability—and fewer political games.
What Happens Next?
At this stage, the DA is still part of the governing coalition but is sending a strong message: it won’t stay quiet while principles are undermined.
With public sentiment shifting and tensions rising inside the GNU, the next few weeks could be critical for South Africa’s coalition experiment.