"ANC Chief Whip Mdumiseni Ntuli asserts that the DA's attempt to assert control does not lead to the collapse of the GNU if the DA decides to withdraw."
"African National Congress Chief Whip Mdumiseni Ntuli has voiced criticism against the Democratic Alliance (DA), accusing the blue party of attempting to assert control over the direction amidst the ongoing dispute over the government of national unity (GNU).
Following the general elections on May 29, the ANC experienced its poorest electoral performance since the end of apartheid 30 years ago, securing 40% of the vote and losing its outright majority in Parliament.
According to IOL's report on Wednesday, President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially begun his second term after forming a GNU that includes long-standing rival, the DA, along with other parties such as the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) and the Patriotic Alliance (PA).
The DA and the PA are currently engaged in a verbal conflict following statements by DA Federal Council Chairperson Helen Zille, refuted by PA leader Gayton McKenzie, that PA members should not expect Cabinet positions without the DA's consultation with Ramaphosa.
Speaking to Newzroom Afrika on Thursday, Ntuli asserted that the DA was exaggerating its significance within the GNU.
"They are trying to seize control of the direction. When you read articles by Helen Zille and Ryan Coetzee, it's evident they hold a very patronizing view of their influence over the ANC, believing that if they were to leave, the GNU would collapse. That's simply not true. The government will be established by President Ramaphosa," he said.
"If anyone decides to withdraw from the government, it doesn't mean the government collapses. It could mean they will rally other political parties to pass a vote of no confidence in the ANC, potentially leading to the collapse of the government. However, that's not automatic. There are parties who abstained from joining the GNU because of the presence of the DA, MK (uMkhonto weSizwe party), and the EFF (Economic Freedom Fighters). They believe the DA poses a threat to the ANC, questioning why they are being included. We've reminded them that they too pose a threat, but we can manage all under one roof," Ntuli added.
Coetzee serves as an advisor to the DA's negotiation team and previously worked as a party strategist.
Ntuli emphasized that the ANC would seek common ground with the DA to resolve their differences at this stage."
Following the general elections on May 29, the ANC experienced its poorest electoral performance since the end of apartheid 30 years ago, securing 40% of the vote and losing its outright majority in Parliament.
According to IOL's report on Wednesday, President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially begun his second term after forming a GNU that includes long-standing rival, the DA, along with other parties such as the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) and the Patriotic Alliance (PA).
The DA and the PA are currently engaged in a verbal conflict following statements by DA Federal Council Chairperson Helen Zille, refuted by PA leader Gayton McKenzie, that PA members should not expect Cabinet positions without the DA's consultation with Ramaphosa.
Speaking to Newzroom Afrika on Thursday, Ntuli asserted that the DA was exaggerating its significance within the GNU.
"They are trying to seize control of the direction. When you read articles by Helen Zille and Ryan Coetzee, it's evident they hold a very patronizing view of their influence over the ANC, believing that if they were to leave, the GNU would collapse. That's simply not true. The government will be established by President Ramaphosa," he said.
"If anyone decides to withdraw from the government, it doesn't mean the government collapses. It could mean they will rally other political parties to pass a vote of no confidence in the ANC, potentially leading to the collapse of the government. However, that's not automatic. There are parties who abstained from joining the GNU because of the presence of the DA, MK (uMkhonto weSizwe party), and the EFF (Economic Freedom Fighters). They believe the DA poses a threat to the ANC, questioning why they are being included. We've reminded them that they too pose a threat, but we can manage all under one roof," Ntuli added.
Coetzee serves as an advisor to the DA's negotiation team and previously worked as a party strategist.
Ntuli emphasized that the ANC would seek common ground with the DA to resolve their differences at this stage."
