Government Won’t Collapse If PA Leaves GNU, Says ANC Secretary General
In a candid interview that has sparked widespread discussion, ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula has downplayed the potential fallout from the Patriotic Alliance’s (PA) threat to exit the Government of National Unity (GNU). Speaking to eNCA anchor Heidi Giokos on Sunday, Mbalula stressed that while the PA is a valued partner, their departure would not bring down the government. This comes amid escalating tensions over the reinstatement of PA deputy leader Kenny Kunene as Johannesburg’s Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Transport, a demand that has put the spotlight on fragile coalition dynamics in both national and local politics.
Mbalula’s comments reflect the ANC’s efforts to steady the ship as the GNU faces its first major test, just months after its formation following the 2024 elections. With the PA issuing a Tuesday deadline for Kunene’s return, the ANC leader called for mature dialogue among partners, warning against unnecessary volatility that could undermine public confidence. As South Africa gears up for the 2026 local government elections, these developments highlight the challenges of multi-party governance, where local disputes can ripple up to national levels.
The interview also touched on broader ANC strategies, including potential GNU expansions and addressing public trust issues, amid criticisms of the party’s performance in key municipalities. Mbalula’s assurances come at a time when President Cyril Ramaphosa has reportedly intervened directly to resolve the Kunene saga, ordering his reinstatement to avert a coalition crisis.
PA’s Ultimatum: Tensions Over Kunene’s Reinstatement
The PA’s threat stems from frustration over Kunene’s removal from his transport role in Johannesburg, following a controversial incident linked to a police raid. PA leader Gayton McKenzie, who serves as Sports, Arts and Culture Minister in the GNU, has given the ANC until Tuesday to reinstate Kunene or face a “mass exodus” of PA officials from all coalitions, including the national setup. McKenzie has even hinted at forming new alliances, possibly with the DA, if demands are not met, escalating the drama in Johannesburg’s already shaky coalition.
Mbalula acknowledged the issue, saying the ANC has engaged its structures in Gauteng to address it. “We have not met with them [PA] yet, but we will engage,” he told Giokos. He emphasised mutual respect among coalition partners, noting that the PA’s position in transport was part of an agreed deal. “As coalition partners, when I talk about respect, I mean we must not create volatility where it is unnecessary. The people want delivery.”
However, he was firm that any changes must be negotiated, not demanded under threat. Mbalula described McKenzie’s statement as “unfortunate” but recognised his right to advocate for his party. Recent reports indicate that Ramaphosa has stepped in, directing ANC leaders to restore Kunene by Tuesday, halting a proposed swap with the EFF that would have given them the transport portfolio. This intervention aims to calm investor fears and maintain GNU stability, especially as the PA has pledged not to back no-confidence motions against the President even if they exit.
Kunene, cleared of wrongdoing in a forensic probe after his link to a raid on businessman Katiso Molefe, has been sworn back as a councillor, paving the way for his return. The standoff has exposed cracks in Johannesburg’s coalition, involving the ANC, EFF, PA and others, where no party holds a majority.
GNU Stability: No Collapse If PA Walks Away
When pressed on the GNU’s fate if the PA follows through, Mbalula was unequivocal: “It will not destabilise the GNU… If they leave, government won’t collapse.” He highlighted the coalition’s resilience, noting daily negotiations in Parliament to pass votes, even on budgets. While admitting a PA exit would be “unfortunate” given their loyalty, Mbalula said it should not hinge on a local Johannesburg issue. “There are far more important and bigger issues that can lead to their departure.”
This confidence stems from the GNU’s broad base, including the ANC, DA, IFP and others, formed after the ANC’s 40% vote share in 2024 elections. Mbalula stressed that the GNU belongs to South Africans, not just parties, and threats to leave undermine the national spirit. Recent engagements, like a clearing house meeting convened by Deputy President Paul Mashatile, aim to iron out disputes and keep the focus on delivery.
Analysts note that while the PA’s small parliamentary presence—nine seats—would not topple the government, their withdrawal could complicate local coalitions in places like Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni, where they hold sway. McKenzie’s dramatic announcement from Robben Island, tying it to themes of justice, has added symbolic weight, but Mbalula dismissed it as immature posturing.
Expanding the GNU: Talks on Reconfiguration and EFF Inclusion
Mbalula revealed that the ANC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) is actively discussing ways to “reconfigure” the GNU, potentially bringing in more parties. “The NEC took a decision that we must reconfigure the GNU, and that discussion within the NEC is unfolding,” he said. While not naming specifics, he addressed queries on the EFF, noting their role as a strategic partner locally but clarifying it’s not about one party over another.
This comes amid speculation that the ANC seeks to broaden the coalition to counterbalance the DA’s influence and stabilise governance. Mbalula emphasised principle over expediency, saying any changes must serve national interests. The EFF, with 39 parliamentary seats, has been vocal critics but cooperates in some municipalities, making them a logical fit for expansion.
He also defended the GNU’s clearing house mechanism, admitting it has not worked as planned but insisting it must be reset for better issue resolution. “We negotiate daily… It has to work,” Mbalula said, rejecting DA chair Helen Zille’s claims of dysfunction.
Johannesburg Challenges: Immigration, Service Delivery and DA’s Zille Bid
Shifting to local matters, Mbalula addressed Helen Zille’s announcement as the DA’s Johannesburg mayoral candidate for 2026, brushing it off as irrelevant to pressing issues. “The biggest issue in Johannesburg is not Zille; it is immigration,” he stated, calling for decisive action against illegal occupation of buildings and undocumented migrants taking over the city.
He outlined the ANC’s plan: Use expropriation laws to demolish hijacked structures, work with national government to curb illegal immigration, and lead efforts to prevent vigilante groups like Operation Dudula from filling the void. “If we don’t lead, citizens take the law into their own hands,” Mbalula warned.
On service delivery, he acknowledged challenges like water shortages, infrastructure decay and electricity debts in Soweto, but highlighted an action plan to address them. Despite coalitions constraining the ANC, Mbalula said the party is consolidating power to speed up fixes, emphasising that Johannesburg is a shared governance space, not ANC-dominated.
ANC’s Self-Reflection: Addressing Capacity and Leadership Issues
Mbalula defended recent controversial comments by ANC leaders, including President Ramaphosa’s nod to DA-run municipalities performing well in audits. “The President did not praise the DA… He acknowledged facts from the Auditor-General’s report,” he explained, urging the ANC to learn and improve without fear.
On ANC chair Gwede Mantashe’s quip about the party being good at singing but bad at capacity, Mbalula framed it as honest self-criticism. “We are the only party that takes up the mirror and looks at itself,” he said, adding that such openness helps rebuild trust ahead of 2026 elections.
He dismissed internal turbulence, like Limpopo chair Stan Mathabatha’s resignation threat, saying it was rejected and issues would be handled collectively. On NEC members Bheki Cele and Senzo Mchunu implicated in the Madlanga Commission, Mbalula said the ANC awaits full findings before acting, stressing natural justice.
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