A fiery ANC caucus meeting has exposed deep divisions over the party’s alliance with the DA in the Government of National Unity (GNU), with over 100 MPs demanding an immediate breakup, according to Sunday Times sources.
Frustrated ANC legislators confronted Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula at a tense Johannesburg meeting, slamming the DA’s repeated challenges to key policies—including the budget and employment equity laws—as proof of bad faith.
“They’ve Defined Themselves Out of GNU” – Ramaphosa
MPs cited President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent remarks that the DA, by rejecting two budget versions, had “defined itself out of the GNU.” One insider fumed: “They take NHI to court, fight Bela, block the budget, what more proof do leaders need? We want them out!”
Mbalula’s Late Arrival Sparks Outburst
The meeting turned chaotic when Deputy President Paul Mashatile and ANC chair Gwede Mantashe blasted Mbalula for arriving an hour late.
A source revealed: “Mantashe told him, ‘You’re exactly an hour late, SG.’ He later walked out mid-speech.”
Legal Battles Push ANC to Breaking Point
The DA’s court bid to overturn the Employment Equity Amendment Act was the final straw.
“Challenging the employment act proves we can’t work with them,” an MP said.
ANC Tight-Lipped Amid Leaks
ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri confirmed the meeting but refused to discuss “leaks.”
Meanwhile, the 159-member caucus—packed with NEC and Cabinet figures—could force the DA’s GNU exit.
What’s Next?
With the budget vote looming on May 21, the ANC must decide: stick with the DA or pivot to smaller parties? One thing is clear—the GNU’s future hangs by a thread.
