Cape Town – The ongoing tensions within South Africa’s Government of National Unity (GNU) have been further strained after ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula criticised DA Chairperson Helen Zille for spreading misinformation.
Mbalula dismissed Zille’s claims about the DA’s role in protecting President Cyril Ramaphosa and accused her of psychological warfare.
According to IOL, Zille reportedly told the SA Chamber of Commerce UK that the business community’s directive to the DA was to safeguard Ramaphosa from the threats posed by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP).
(Courtesy of SABC News)
“We were told to prop up Cyril Ramaphosa and shield him from the EFF and MK,” the report quoted her as saying.
Last week, Zille sparked controversy on social media following Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s announcement of the first National Dialogue set for December 16. The event, aimed at addressing South Africa’s key socio-political issues and promoting unity within the coalition government, prompted Zille to criticise the ANC for taking unilateral control, despite prior discussions about joint planning with other GNU partners.
“We made it clear, from the start of the GNU negotiations, that the National Dialogue must be a joint initiative, planned and executed by the key GNU governance partners. But here goes the ANC, unilaterally as usual, as if they won the election,” she wrote.
We made it clear, from the start of the GNU negotiations, that the National Dialogue must be a joint initiative, planned and executed by the key GNU governance partners. But here goes the ANC, unilaterally as usual, as if they won the election. https://t.co/4b2jC8YeTn
— Helen Zille (@helenzille) October 24, 2024
He suggested that if the DA wanted to leave the GNU, it wouldn’t impact the coalition’s survival.
“If the DA, through Zille, decide that they want to opt out of the GNU, it will be their decision, and the GNU will continue.
“They can go today or tomorrow. We won’t have sleepless nights because of that,” he said.
(Courtesy of eNCA)
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
