Explore the ongoing GNU political crisis in South Africa triggered by the DA’s ultimatum that led to ministerial reshuffles, revealing deep fractures in the coalition government.
GNU Political Crisis in South Africa: How the DA’s Ultimatum Triggered a Cabinet Shake-Up
The Government of National Unity (GNU) in South Africa, a fragile coalition formed after the ANC lost its outright majority in the last general election, is now at the center of a rapidly escalating political crisis. The latest flashpoint? The removal of Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane, a concession President Cyril Ramaphosa made under relentless pressure from the Democratic Alliance (DA).
In what some analysts are calling a power struggle veiled as accountability, the DA’s hardline stance on ministerial integrity forced the president’s hand—an unprecedented moment in the post-apartheid political landscape.
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The Tipping Point: Nkabane’s Misstep and DA’s Leverage
At the heart of the controversy lies Minister Nobuhle Nkabane’s misleading testimony to Parliament concerning board appointments at the Sector Education and Training Authorities. The DA viewed this as a fundamental breach of public trust, and one that could not go unpunished.
DA federal council chairperson Helen Zille reportedly confronted ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula during a closed-door GNU secretariat forum. Zille demanded adherence to clauses 18 and 19 of the GNU Statement of Intent, which emphasize equal participation and consensus decision-making among coalition partners.
When President Ramaphosa dismissed Deputy Minister Andrew Whitfield (a DA appointee) for unauthorized international travel, the DA retaliated by drawing a red line: if Nkabane remained, they would vote down key departmental budgets.
Zille’s Ultimatum and the Clause 18/19 Showdown
Clause 18 mandates collective decision-making, while Clause 19 sets the threshold for “sufficient consensus” as agreement among the majority of the 10 coalition parties. Zille argued that the ANC had repeatedly violated these clauses by making unilateral decisions without consulting the DA.
Faced with mounting threats to the stability of the GNU, President Ramaphosa acted—removing Nkabane and replacing her with Deputy Minister Buti Manamela. The DA claimed this as a political victory, an example of “accountability forced through constitutional means,” as DA leader John Steenhuisen put it.
A Pattern of Confrontation: DA’s Growing Assertiveness
This incident was not isolated. The DA has intensified its stance on ethical governance since joining the GNU, leveraging its position as the second-largest party in the coalition. Earlier, the party clashed with the ANC over the creation of a so-called “clearing house” to resolve disputes—an initiative the DA argued lacked legal and political legitimacy.
Zille, known for her strategic acumen, appears to be setting a precedent: either coalition ministers uphold transparency and truthfulness, or the DA will block crucial parliamentary motions. It’s a strategy that has yielded immediate results.
Fallout: Simelane, Mchunu, and the DA’s Next Targets
With Nkabane gone, the DA has set its sights on Justice Minister Thembi Simelane and Public Service Minister Senzo Mchunu. Simelane, accused of receiving a dubious R500,000 “loan” during her tenure as Polokwane mayor, was already redeployed to the Human Settlements ministry in December under pressure.
Mchunu is under scrutiny for allegedly interfering in a police task force probing political killings in KwaZulu-Natal. The president recently appointed a judicial commission led by Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga to investigate the infiltration of law enforcement by criminal syndicates. The DA has indicated it will push for Mchunu’s removal once the commission concludes.
Budget as Bargaining Chip: The Appropriations Bill Threat
In parallel to its moral crusade, the DA used the 2025–26 Appropriations Bill as leverage. By threatening to withhold votes on the higher education budget—and possibly other departmental budgets—the party forced concessions.
After Nkabane’s removal, the DA lifted its opposition, allowing the bill to pass with 262 votes in favor. The victory reinforced the DA’s message: ministers who deceive Parliament cannot remain in power under the GNU framework.
The Growing Fragility of the GNU Coalition
Political analyst Snyman Motloung from North-West University noted that the DA’s methods, while controversial, are effective. “They will continue to push the envelope,” he said. “We’ve seen Nkabane go. Simelane might be next, then Mchunu, and even Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, who is under investigation for R80 million in unauthorized spending.”
Such moves may alienate the ANC further and strain the GNU coalition. Already, ANC chief whip Mdumiseni Ntuli has hinted at exploring alternative parliamentary alliances to reduce dependency on the DA. One such option could be ActionSA, a smaller party that has publicly stated it would join the GNU—on the condition that the DA is ousted.
Zille’s Power Play: Democratic or Destructive?
While the DA frames its actions as principled governance, critics warn of overreach. The ANC’s national executive committee has reportedly considered removing the DA from the GNU altogether, especially after the party sued Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana over a proposed VAT increase earlier this year.
In some circles, Zille’s relentless approach is viewed as destabilizing. “This is not how you build unity in a government of national unity,” said a senior ANC insider. “It’s how you build division.”
But the DA insists this is precisely how accountability should work in a functioning democracy. “We joined the GNU to fight corruption and uphold constitutionalism,” said a DA spokesperson. “We will not sit idle while compromised individuals hold high office.”
Public Perception: A Test of Political Will
Public reaction has been mixed. Some South Africans applaud the DA’s boldness, particularly younger voters who demand higher ethical standards from their leaders. Others fear that the brinkmanship risks paralyzing government functions, especially during a time of economic recovery and budget constraints.
Still, there’s no denying that the DA’s actions have shaken the GNU’s foundations. Whether this becomes a long-term reform movement or an unstable tug-of-war remains to be seen.
The Road Ahead: Reform or Rupture?
As the GNU heads into its next phase of legislative processes—particularly the detailed vote-by-vote scrutiny of the Appropriations Bill—the country may be headed for more confrontations.
The DA has signaled that its campaign against unethical ministers is far from over. With a series of internal investigations and judicial commissions underway, Ramaphosa will face growing pressure to act decisively—not reactively.
Analysts argue that how the president navigates the next six months could define the legacy of the GNU. Will it be remembered as a bold experiment in inclusive governance—or as a battleground of political warfare?
Final Thoughts
The GNU political crisis in South Africa continues to evolve, revealing cracks in the coalition’s foundation and raising questions about the future of governance in the country. While the DA has proven its ability to enforce accountability, it has also exposed the vulnerabilities of coalition politics in a polarized society.
As South Africa watches the next moves unfold, one thing is clear: this is not just a fight over personalities or party loyalty—it is a reckoning over the very nature of power, integrity, and democratic survival.
