By Michael Andisile Mayalo
Recent developments in South African politics have once again exposed the fragility of the Government of National Unity (GNU), bringing questions about the DA role as a reliable coalition partner to the ANC. As the DA leads protests against the so-called “Bela Bill,” while simultaneously manoeuvring within the GNU framework, it’s difficult not to see a stark contradiction that brings into question the DA’s long-term intentions and the sustainability of the coalition itself.
The GNU, formed to stabilise a country often fractured by party politics, has brought together the ANC and DA to address the nation’s biggest issues. But, as with any marriage of convenience, tensions were inevitable. The Bela Bill, which proposes controversial reforms to South Africa’s education system, is only the latest battleground for these ideological clashes. While the DA argues its opposition stems from a commitment to “protecting the interests of South Africans,” the ANC is left wondering if the DA is merely using this opposition to bolster its standing in the eyes of voters.
The Bela Bill Protests: A Moment of Convenience for the DA?
The DA’s vocal protests against the Bela Bill illustrate a recurring trend of political posturing. Despite being part of the GNU, the DA’s public displays of opposition seem designed to align with the sentiments of its traditional base rather than reflect genuine collaboration within the coalition. The DA claims the bill represents an overreach of government control in education, eroding parental rights and threatening educational autonomy. The bill's proposal to enforce more stringent regulations on school language policies, particularly in traditionally Afrikaans-speaking schools, has struck a chord with DA supporters who view this as an infringement on their cultural and community rights.
But the real question remains: Is this opposition principled or opportunistic? The timing of the DA’s march against the bill, which comes amid growing dissatisfaction with the GNU’s pace on economic reform and governance, indicates that the party could be leveraging the bill to differentiate itself from the ANC and appeal to potential voters ahead of the next election. Such tactics, while typical of political rivalry, clash with the spirit of cooperation that the GNU is supposed to embody.
The ANC’s Dilemma: Can the GNU Survive This Fracture?
For the ANC, the DA’s stance on the Bela Bill reveals a fundamental question about the nature of partnership in the GNU: is the alliance based on a shared commitment to South Africa’s progress, or is it a temporary arrangement that short-term political gains can sabotage? The ANC has reason to question whether the DA’s commitment to the coalition extends beyond mere rhetoric. While coalition politics may require compromise, the DA’s actions seem to have pushed the boundaries of what the ANC might consider acceptable dissent within the GNU.
This public divide risks creating instability that will deepen the disillusionment many South Africans feel towards the government. If the DA is viewed as being disingenuous in its coalition role, then the GNU may be seen as ineffective – a perception that would tarnish both parties. The ANC now finds itself faced with a difficult choice: to either placate the DA by allowing such oppositional tactics or to re-evaluate its alliance with a partner who seems increasingly interested in leveraging policy disagreements for electoral advantage.
The Bigger Picture: What This Means for South Africa’s Future
South Africa’s democratic landscape is still fragile, and the GNU was meant to be a beacon of stability. The country faces severe socio-economic challenges – high unemployment, corruption, and a struggling economy – which demand a united front from its political leadership. However, the recent rift over the Bela Bill highlights the limits of unity within the GNU framework. When parties within the coalition pursue their own agendas at the expense of cooperation, South Africans suffer from an absence of coherent governance.
The ANC must assess the viability of continuing with the DA as a partner in the GNU. If the GNU is to be effective, it can not accommodate a party that consistently seeks to undermine it from within. While dismissing the DA from the coalition might lead to short-term instability, it would also clearly show that political opportunism will not be tolerated within the GNU. On the other hand, if ANC chooses to maintain the partnership, it should do so with a clearer framework for managing internal dissent to ensure that disagreements do not derail its core objectives.
Time for the GNU to Reflect and Realign
The GNU was founded on the hope of a cooperative future, but that hope is jeopardised by political gamesmanship. For the GNU to survive and serve South Africa effectively, it needs partners committed to its mission, not merely their political advantage. The DA’s actions around the Bela Bill reveal an opportunistic streak that may be irreconcilable with the GNU’s goals. Suppose the ANC wishes to retain the trust of the South African people. In that case, it must hold the DA accountable within the GNU or consider alternative alliances prioritising collective progress over individual gain.
South Africa requires a unified, effective government in a time of great need. The ANC, as the leading party in the GNU, must act decisively. Whether this means renegotiating the terms of its partnership with the DA or seeking other arrangements, one thing is clear: the status quo can not endure. South Africans deserve leadership that puts the nation’s interests first – a goal that can only be achieved through a genuine and principled approach to governance.
Mayalo is an independent writer, analyst, and commentator