ANC Remains Committed to Making GNU Work, SA Divided As Party Is Looking to Expand Coalition

• The African National Congress (ANC) is considering making changes to the Government of National Unity (GNU)
• The GNU was formed in 2024 after no political party received the majority vote in the National Elections
• South Africans are divided by President Cyril Ramaphosa's recent thoughts about the coalition government

Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.

GAUTENG - The Government of National Unity (GNU) has faced numerous ups and downs since its formation, but the African National Congress is committed to making it work.

Formed on 14 June 2024, the GNU is a coalition of 10 South African political parties which came together after the 2020 National Elections. The coalition was formed after no party won a majority in the elections, forcing parties to band together to run the country.

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While the GNU has faced criticism, the ANC is considering opening up a process to expand it.

What does the ANC want to do?

Speaking during his closing address of the ANC’s National Executive Committee in Germiston on 4 August 2025, Ramaphosa said that the party had not changed its stance that setting up the coalition was the best option for the country.

He acknowledged that the GNU had experienced teething issues, but said that the NEC also identified a number of areas where there was substantial progress.

While the parties within the GNU have not always agreed on everything, Ramaphosa said that they were developing ways of dealing with this, as well as considering opening up the coalition to other parties.

"In line with the statement of intent, we will first begin our engagements with the parties currently part of the GNU with regard to seeing the extent to which we can expand and advance the GNU with other parties that see themselves supporting the objectives we set out in the statement of intent," he said.

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Speaking to Briefly News about the ANC's plans, political commentator Talha Randeree said it was a way for the ANC to explore options as a government.

He said this was most likely a way to see if the grass may be greener for them without the DA, and in the same way to send a message to the DA.

"The ANC has been working on trying to improve its image and support, but will have to consider the implications of the GNU in the next elections. The ANC has to ask itself, do we risk keeping our partners and losing face, or trying to take all the strides made by the GNU for themselves," he explained.

What you need to know about the GNU and those against it

• In September 2024, ActionSA criticised the GNU, claiming that nothing had changed since it was formed.
• The South African Communist Party (SACP) was critical of the inclusion of the Democratic Alliance (DA) in the government.
• Julius Malema called for the DA to leave the coalition government over its criticism of certain decisions.
• Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri criticised the DA’s repeated threats that it would leave the GNU.
• President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed some of the challenges within the coalition government.

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South Africans divided by Ramaphosa’s statement

Social media users shared mixed reactions to the president’s statement, with some speculating about who else would join the GNU, while others criticised the plans.

SpokenWords said:

“I'm sure they will include Rise Mzansi and BOSA. Ever since they joined Parliament, Zibi and Maimane have turned into ANC cheerleaders and praise singers. They already rewarded them with chairperson positions.”

Lisa Crossley claimed:

“The ANC has understood that once a small party joins the GNU, with the exception of the DA, they can control them.”

Timothee Makanishe asked:

“What other parties are they targeting? Action SA? MKP? EFF?”

Vassa Reddy stated:

“They’re worried about the 2026 local elections. Don't forget CR that the GNU is a collaboration and not a dictatorship.”

Vilencia Camm claimed:

“He’s looking for allies.”

Americo Pinheiro said:

“The other partners in the GNU need to start holding the ANC accountable for its destructive, illogical choices. They need to get involved in the economic decisions and the foreign policy decisions.”

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Thabo Menzi added:

“It's a strategy. They see that they will never govern on their own.”

Thabang Lempe said:

“The EFF is not coming, and the MKP is not coming. Not until the enemy is out of the GNU.”

ANC and DA have constructive discussions

Briefly News reported in April 2025 that delegates from the DA and the ANC met to discuss issues.

The parties wanted to discuss a way forward for the coalition government following disagreements.

The DA and ANC opposed each other on various pieces of legislation, with the DA threatening to leave.

Patriotic Alliance President Gayton McKenzie suspends Kenny Kunene

In other political news, Briefly News reported that Patriotic Alliance President, Gayton McKenzie, took action against his deputy, Kenny Kunene. This came after Kunene was found outside the house of Katiso Molefe, who was arrested for the murder of DJ Sumbody.

Source: Briefly News