Deputy President Paul Mashatile has said that changes to the Cabinet may be coming soon, hinting that new political parties could be added to the Government of National Unity (GNU).
Mashatile hints at a potential Cabinet reshuffle
This could mean that some Democratic Alliance (DA) ministers might lose their positions as new parties like ActionSA and Build One South Africa (BOSA) are welcomed into government.
Speaking in the Eastern Cape, Mashatile used a strong example to describe the relationship between the African National Congress (ANC) and the DA, saying:
“When you deal with a crocodile, you must deal with it with your eyes wide open. I’m lying on its back, to cross the river.”
This comment was a reference to how tough and tricky it is to work with the DA in the GNU.
Mashatile made these remarks while addressing mourners at a memorial for struggle hero Chris Hani.
He was responding to increasing tensions between the ANC and the DA after the DA voted against a key financial plan in Parliament — including a rise in VAT (Value Added Tax), which is a tax added to most items people buy.
According to Mashatile, the ANC was surprised when the DA chose to vote against the plan, especially since their ministers are still serving in the government.
He said he expected DA ministers to resign after the vote.
DA is doing damage control with the ANC behind closed doors
The DA didn’t quit, but the ANC now says it will talk to all other parties to fix the relationship problems and possibly invite others to join the GNU.
Mashatile also said that the GNU is not just an agreement between the ANC and the DA. He explained that it includes ten different political parties, and it will continue to exist even if the DA walks away.
He told the ANC’s alliance partners, COSATU and the SACP — who have been critical of the DA’s role in the GNU — that the ANC would work on fixing that tension too.
Meanwhile, the DA says they joined the GNU to help the country grow its economy and create jobs. They say the ANC must show that they are serious about power-sharing and not just using the GNU for political gain. The DA believes the government must focus on real changes that help people, and they are asking for fair cooperation.
A meeting is planned between the ANC and DA to discuss the future of their relationship. These talks come as the ANC continues individual meetings with other parties in the GNU, trying to find common ground to avoid more conflict.
If a Cabinet reshuffle happens, it could change the leadership in government. But for now, Mashatile says that the GNU will go on — with or without the DA.