Political tensions are high as Helen Zille and Gayton McKenzie clash over the Patriotic Alliance (PA) joining the Government of National Unity (GNU).
Following Zille’s interview with Clement Manyathela on SABC News’ FaceTheNation, where she stated that the ANC did not consult the GNU about the PA’s inclusion.
PA President Gayton McKenzie responded, “We will now wait and see who the real boss of the GNU is, is it Helen Zille or Mbalula Fikile. We were invited by the ANC, we accepted the invite, as far as we know, the DA were also invited.”
Zille has written to ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula to raise her concerns, citing the GNU agreement that requires the ANC to consult with other parties in the GNU before adding new members.
She also warned that the Democratic Alliance (DA) will formally complain if President Ramaphosa grants ministerial positions to the PA without proper consultation.
Zille criticized Mbalula, suggesting he does not understand the GNU agreement and emphasized that the ANC cannot make decisions without DA support, as the DA represents 30% of the GNU.
According to the agreement, sufficient consensus requires the approval of 60% of the parties.
The dispute underscores the complexities and challenges within the GNU as parties navigate coalition politics.