ANC’s Fikile Mbalula urges political maturity as PA threatens to exit GNU
ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has urged coalition partners in the Government of National Unity (GNU) to act with political maturity and avoid threatening to walk away when disagreements arise, following the Patriotic Alliance’s (PA) ultimatum over political appointments in Johannesburg.
Speaking to eNCA, Mbalula confirmed that the ANC had not yet met with the PA following its threat to leave the GNU by Tuesday if Kenny Kunene is not reinstated as MMC for Transport in the City of Johannesburg.
He said the matter is being handled by ANC structures in Gauteng together with coalition partners.
IOL reported that PA leader Gayton McKenzie announced he would resign as Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture on Tuesday as part of the party’s decision to withdraw from all governing coalitions with the ANC at national, provincial, and local levels.
McKenzie cited “repeated acts of bad faith, political betrayal, and disrespect” from ANC leaders, particularly in Gauteng.
He said the fallout began in Ekurhuleni, where the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) allegedly blocked the PA from joining the coalition.
In Johannesburg, the PA initially held two portfolios, Human Settlements and Roads & Transport, but agreed to give up one to the IFP for the sake of coalition stability. However, tensions escalated after Kunene resigned as MMC for Transport following public criticism
He emphasised that while the party respects the PA’s right to raise concerns, political threats undermine the spirit of unity needed in the GNU.
“Parties in the GNU must understand that whenever we’re faced with difficulties and challenges and dissatisfaction, we cannot always threaten to go away. That’s not the way we build a national spirit around this convergence that South Africans support,” he Mbalula.
Mbalula said the ANC values the PA’s role in the GNU and in the Johannesburg coalition, and believes the dispute over Kunene’s role should be resolved without “drama” or destabilisation.
“In that GNU, PA must occupy the rightful place as agreed. It’s not our wish for all of us who belongs to where, but they must be respected,” he said.
He confirmed that the PA is insisting on Kunene returning to the MMC for Transport position, which was reportedly offered instead to the MMC for Housing by Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero. Mbalula said the coalition agreement had initially assigned the transport portfolio to the PA, and the ANC respects that arrangement.
“As coalition partners, when I talk about respect, I mean we must not create volatility where it is unnecessary,” Mbalula said. He stressed that if changes are to be made to any agreed portfolios, they must be negotiated, not imposed.
He reminded the public that Johannesburg is not governed by the ANC alone, but through a coalition involving multiple parties including the EFF, PA, Al Jama-ah and others. “We have not won the elections in Johannesburg. Let us not create an impression that Johannesburg is governed by the ANC and ANC alone,” he said.
Asked whether the PA’s departure from the GNU would threaten its stability, Mbalula was clear that while it would be unfortunate, it would not lead to a collapse of government. “It is within their right to leave if they want to leave. Will it destabilise the GNU? It will not destabilise the GNU,” he said.
He explained that the GNU requires daily negotiation and consensus-building among coalition partners, especially in Parliament. “Look, we are facing the challenge of passing votes in Parliament if you don’t know, daily,” Mbalula said.
However, he warned that leaving the GNU over local government disputes would be regrettable. “The matter that may lead to their departure cannot be about what is happening in Johannesburg. There are far more important and bigger issues that can lead to their departure,” he said.
Describing the PA as a loyal and important partner in the GNU, Mbalula said the ANC remains committed to resolving the issue through discussion.
“That statement that was made by the PA in our view is unfortunate,” he said, but added that PA leader Gayton McKenzie was well within his rights to act in accordance with what his members expect from the coalition agreements.
Mbalula said the ANC will continue engaging with the PA and other partners in the Johannesburg coalition to find a solution that respects all parties’ roles in the GNU framework.
In a statement, the PA has confirmed that its delegation will meet with a delegation from the ANC on Tuesday evening to discuss the reinstatement of Kunene as MMC for roads and Transport in the City of Johannesburg.
Kunene was re-sworn as a councillor for the City of Johannesburg on Friday.
”The out come of the meeting will be made public as soon as an agreement has been reached between the two parties,” said PA national spokesperson Steve Motale.
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