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MK Party: ‘We Won’t Be Used to Scare the DA’
The MK Party has rejected overtures from the ANC to participate in discussions aimed at rescuing the troubled Government of National Unity (GNU), accusing the ruling party of using it as a pawn to pressure the Democratic Alliance (DA).
Speaking at Jacob Zuma’s 83rd birthday celebrations in Soweto, MK Party secretary-general Floyd Shivambu confirmed the party had received an invitation from the ANC but had no intention of engaging.
“We are not interested in entering the domestic affairs of a GNU we do not recognise,” said Shivambu, calling the move a “scare tactic” designed to keep the DA from walking out of the coalition.
MK Party cannot be used by ANC to scare DA! Fact is ANC doesn’t want DA to leave GNU so they want to use MK Party and other Party to scare DA pic.twitter.com/Pllpz50NFP
— uMKHONTO WESIZWE Info Centre (@MKParty_InfoGuy) April 12, 2025
Tensions have flared within the GNU, especially after the DA launched a legal challenge against a 0.5% VAT hike set to take effect on 1 May. The budget clash has exposed fault lines in the fragile multi-party arrangement, prompting the ANC to seek support from outside its coalition.
‘We don’t need the ANC to gain power’
Shivambu told supporters gathered at Protea Community Hall that the MK Party was capable of winning power on its own.
“Less than six months after our formation, we secured over 14% of the national vote and a clear majority in KwaZulu-Natal. We don’t need the ANC’s coalition or arrangements,” he said.
He confirmed the ANC’s request to engage, but reiterated the party’s refusal. “We’ve written back to say no. They must handle their own issues.”
Budget tensions threaten coalition unity
Earlier this month, the National Assembly narrowly passed the fiscal framework, with 194 MPs in favour and 182 against. But the vote has done little to ease tensions. Public resistance to the VAT hike is growing, and coalition partners are divided.
The ANC has been meeting with parties such as the EFF, FF Plus, Rise Mzansi, and the IFP in an attempt to stabilise the GNU. Shivambu, however, dismissed these efforts.
“The ANC doesn’t want the DA to leave the GNU, so they’re trying to scare them by floating the idea of involving the MK Party and others,” he said.
Coalition future uncertain
The ANC has described its talks with minor parties as “constructive” and said they are exploring “fair and sustainable revenue alternatives” to shore up support for the budget.
But the future of the GNU may depend on key meetings between the ANC, DA, and FF Plus scheduled for this weekend.
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Sourced:African Insider
Picture: EPA
