Minister of Public Works Dean McPherson
By Thabo Mosia
Minister of Public Works Dean McPherson has stated that he does not report to Deputy President Paul Mashatile, following Mashatile’s remarks suggesting that McPherson should either implement government policies or resign. McPherson’s response underscores growing tensions within the Government of National Unity (GNU), as the Democratic Alliance (DA) and African National Congress (ANC) clash over the recently signed Expropriation Act.
Speaking at a media briefing in Cape Town on Saturday, McPherson emphasised that his role as a DA representative in the GNU is to serve the interests of his party and its voters. “I will not entertain comments that seek to undermine the Democratic Alliance’s efforts to ensure the success of the GNU,” McPherson stated. The remarks come amidst mounting criticism from the ANC over his refusal to implement the Expropriation Act, which he has publicly opposed.
The Expropriation Act: A Controversial Move
The Expropriation Act, signed into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa earlier this week, repeals the apartheid-era Expropriation Act of 1975. The new legislation allows state organs to expropriate land in the public interest without compensation in specific cases. The ANC has lauded the act as a transformative tool for addressing historical injustices and promoting socio-economic development.
ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula defended the law during the ANC NEC lekgotla, stating, “Government must prioritise the implementation of the act to unlock opportunities in agriculture, human settlements, and industrial development.” He further added that land reform is crucial for “justice, economic growth, and national food security.”
However, McPherson has expressed serious concerns about the law’s constitutionality and its potential implications. “I’m not a lawyer, but I also know in law that you can’t have contradicting sections in a law. This is now bound for courts, and just on that basis, I think it’s unfortunate. I think an opportunity was missed to rectify,” McPherson stated.
Mashatile’s Ultimatum and McPherson’s Rebuttal
Mashatile’s comments at the ANC January 8 event in Parys sparked controversy when he called for McPherson’s resignation. “If Minister @DeanMacpherson doesn’t want to implement the law, he must resign because it means he doesn’t belong there. We’re not going to allow any minister in government to do as they like,” Mashatile said.
McPherson, however, stood his ground, asserting that he does not report to Mashatile. “As a DA minister in the GNU, I report to my party leadership and adhere to our principles and policies. The GNU is about collaboration, not unilateral directives from the ANC,” he said during the media briefing.
DA Leader Steenhuisen Calls for GNU Reset
DA leader John Steenhuisen has backed McPherson, calling for a reset in relations within the GNU. Steenhuisen criticised the ANC’s approach to coalition governance, stating that it has failed to respect the principles of the Statement of Intent signed by the coalition partners.
“Recent weeks have made it increasingly clear that the ANC has lost interest in honouring its side of the relationship. The Expropriation Act was signed without proper consultation, and this disregards the foundation of mutual respect and cooperation that the GNU was built on,” Steenhuisen said. He further emphasised that the DA would not be reduced to being “mere spectators” in the coalition.
COSATU and ANC Pressure for Compliance
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) has also weighed in, urging Ramaphosa to dismiss ministers who fail to implement government policies. The federation warned that non-compliance could undermine the ANC’s performance in the 2026 local government elections.
Meanwhile, ANC Deputy Secretary-General Nomvula Mokonyane echoed Mashatile’s sentiments, stating, “The GNU is a platform for collective governance. If certain ministers cannot abide by the principles of collective decision-making, they should reconsider their positions.”
Implications for the Government of National Unity
The growing divide between the DA and ANC threatens to destabilise the GNU, which was formed after the 2024 elections failed to deliver a majority for any single party. The coalition was seen as a historic step toward unity and cooperation, but tensions over policy implementation and ideological differences have revealed cracks in the alliance.
The Expropriation Act has become a flashpoint in this conflict, with the DA viewing it as an attack on property rights and the ANC framing it as a long-overdue measure to address systemic inequality.
Steenhuisen has invoked Clause 19 of the Statement of Intent, calling for formal dispute resolution mechanisms to address the growing tensions. “The stability of this government depends on mutual respect and cooperation. The ANC must recognise that it is no longer the majority party and cannot impose its will unilaterally,” he said.
Public Reaction and Legal Challenges
The public response to the Expropriation Act has been polarised. Supporters view it as a necessary step to rectify historical injustices, while critics fear it could deter investment and lead to legal uncertainties. Several civil society organisations and opposition parties, including the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), have signalled their intention to challenge the law in court.
Deputy Minister of Public Works Sihle Zikalala defended the law, stating, “This is not a political issue; this is a socio-economic issue. The Expropriation Act will address inequalities in land ownership and promote inclusive development.”
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