As South Africa marks the one-year anniversary of its Government of National Unity (GNU), the country stands at a crossroads—again. The 2024 general election failed to produce an outright majority, ushering in a coalition arrangement intended to provide political stability and economic direction.

But has it worked?

That was the central question of a webinar hosted by the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) on Thursday, chaired by Professor Purshottama Reddy, a governance expert.

The panel featured UKZN political science lecturer Zakhele Ndlovu, Merchant Africa director Advocate Lavan Gopaul, KwaZulu-Natal Finance MEC Francois Rodgers, and Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Narend Singh.

Ndlovu noted that despite the hope surrounding the GNU’s formation, the country remains mired in indecision and dysfunction.

“Eight months ago, I said we were at a crossroads. Guess what? We still are,” he said.

He cited legislative stalemates over key bills – the BELA, NHI and Expropriation Bills – as well as a deadlock on the national budget, as evidence of systemic gridlock.

“All these bills passed without DA support, yet the DA remains in the GNU. Some call it capitulation. I disagree,” said Ndlovu, arguing instead that the DA’s legal challenge over the budget reflects profound unease.

Still, there have been flashes of unity. Ndlovu referenced a recent White House delegation led by President Cyril Ramaphosa: “Seeing GNU partners speak with one voice gives us hope.”

Ndlovu narrowed his economic critique to two flashpoints: collapsing infrastructure and dysfunctional state-owned enterprises (SOEs).

“Electricity and water outages caused by poor maintenance are hurting business. Rail systems, especially those serving working-class routes like Stanger-Durban, have all but collapsed,” he said.

He called the cabinet’s portfolio allocations “misaligned,” pointing to Defence Minister Angie Motshekga’s lack of military experience. “Appointments must be based on competence, not political horse-trading.” beg to differ,” Ndlovu said.

Gopaul noted investor wariness over coalitions, citing a 20% fluctuation in the rand’s value over the past year. He did, however, praise the symbolic stability projected during US engagements.

He said the GNU’s proposed VAT hike met resistance from both within and outside the coalition. “It was disingenuous to oppose the finance minister publicly while sitting in Cabinet,” he said.

Debt servicing now consumes 20% of the national budget. “That’s unsustainable,” Gopaul warned.

Rodgers offered insights from the province’s Government of Provincial Unity (GPU), calling it a “pre-marriage engagement” formed via municipal cooperation.

The KZN coalition -IFP, ANC, DA and NFP – was finalised ahead of the national GNU. “Portfolio negotiations were rational and respectful,” said Rodgers, contrasting it with the national experience.

KZN faces its own crises. “We inherited an insolvent government. Over four years, our budget was cut by R63 billion,” he said. A fiscal recovery plan is now under way.

Singh took a broader view. “The idea of coalitions is here to stay,” he said. “We should talk not just about a GNU but a Country of National Unity that includes business, labour and civil society.”

He supported universal health care but criticised the NHI Bill’s model. “Why exclude private partnerships in health while supporting them in infrastructure?”

Singh praised the fiscal framework’s passage as a “sign of maturity” and urged South Africans to unite beyond party lines.

IOL Politics

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