Democratic Alliance (DA) leader Geordin Hill-Lewis has issued a blunt reminder to the African National Congress (ANC) that it must accept it is no longer the sole ruling party and must fully embrace the spirit of collaborative governance within the Government of National Unity (GNU). His remarks, delivered during a public address in Cape Town on Friday, come as simmering tensions over decision-making processes and the distribution of power threaten to undermine the stability of the coalition government formed after the landmark 2024 elections.
Hill-Lewis, who also serves as the Mayor of Cape Town, did not mince his words as he addressed the growing frustrations within the GNU. He told the ANC that the era of unilateral decision-making is over and that all coalition partners must be treated as equals if the government is to succeed. “The ANC must understand that it cannot govern alone anymore. That is the reality of the 2024 election results. The GNU is not a courtesy; it is a necessity. If we are to deliver for the people of South Africa, we must work together properly, with mutual respect and genuine consultation,” Hill-Lewis said.
The remarks come at a time of heightened tension within the coalition, following the recent cabinet reshuffle that saw several DA members appointed to key positions, including Yusuf Cassim as Deputy Minister of Higher Education and John Steenhuisen as Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition. While the DA has welcomed these appointments, there have been behind-the-scenes disagreements over policy direction, resource allocation, and the pace of reforms. The recent complaint by COSATU that it was sidelined in the reshuffle discussions has further exposed the fragility of the alliance, with some observers suggesting that the ANC is struggling to adapt to a new political landscape where it no longer holds a commanding majority.
Hill-Lewis also took the opportunity to urge all GNU partners to prioritize the needs of ordinary South Africans over party political interests. “The people are watching us. They did not vote for endless bickering; they voted for change, for jobs, for safety, for reliable electricity. We owe it to them to put aside our differences and focus on delivery,” he added. His comments have been met with mixed reactions, with some praising his frankness while others have accused him of grandstanding. The ANC has not yet issued an official response, but insiders suggest that President Ramaphosa’s office is keen to avoid a public spat and is instead focused on finding common ground through behind-the-scenes engagements. As the GNU navigates its first major test of cohesion, Hill-Lewis’s words serve as a stark reminder that the old ways of governance are no longer tenable—and that the success of the coalition hinges on the willingness of all parties to genuinely share power.
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