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Steenhuisen: DA Won’t Be Silenced in Fight for a Fair Government of Unity
Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen has reaffirmed the party’s commitment to the Government of National Unity (GNU), while warning that its participation must be based on genuine collaboration, not exclusion.
Speaking in KwaZulu-Natal on Saturday, Steenhuisen said the DA had no intention of dominating the GNU, but insisted that all coalition partners must have an equal say in key decisions.
“We know we don’t have a 51% majority, but neither does any other party,” he said. “That means working together, compromising, and ensuring every party’s voice is heard.”
[WATCH] Steenhuisen says the party has received a letter from business, which is concerned about potential exclusion of the DA from government, which he says wiped off over R1 trillion from the JSE.#Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/CkKGvFScPN
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) April 5, 2025
Also Read: Ramaphosa Draws the Line as ANC-DA Coalition Faces Collapse Over Budget Vote
DA pushes back against exclusion from major decisions
Steenhuisen cautioned against the DA being sidelined from critical policy areas like economics and foreign affairs.
“It’s not sustainable to be in a government that shuts you out of key decision-making. This is not an extension of the sixth administration – it’s a new government meant to reflect the will of the people,” he said.
He stressed that the DA joined the GNU because it was the right move for the country, but added that it must be a true coalition, not one party dictating to others. Steenhuisen revealed that the DA had received a letter from business leaders expressing concern about the party’s potential exclusion from government, warning it could hurt investor confidence and economic stability. He reassured stakeholders that the DA remained focused on stability and cooperation within the GNU.
Budget tensions highlight growing strain
[WATCH] Democratic Alliance leader John Steenhuisen says, The DA does not seek to dominate the government; they fully accept that they do not have a 51% majority. He adds that they are committed to the Government of National Unity. pic.twitter.com/eiTOaEvF7e
— SABC News (@SABCNews) April 5, 2025
The statement comes after the ANC passed the 2025 national budget without DA support, prompting the opposition party to file court papers challenging the move. The DA objected to a 0.5% VAT hike included in the budget. ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula later accused the DA of hypocrisy, claiming they had initially supported the increase in exchange for the scrapping of the Exportation Act.
“The DA is arrogant and disingenuous,” Mbalula told EWN. “They want to win at all costs, even if it means grandstanding instead of finding solutions.”
ANC open to ActionSA joining GNU
Amid rising tensions with the DA, Mbalula confirmed the ANC is in talks with ActionSA, praising the party’s cooperative attitude and willingness to put national interests first. The possibility of ActionSA joining the GNU raises new questions about the DA’s long-term place in the coalition, especially if disagreements over policy and governance continue.
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Sourced: African Insider
Picture: NewsRoomAfrika/X
