The ANC and DA clash: A pivotal moment in South African politics

The Democratic Alliance (DA) is starting to remind me of that school bully who demands protection money. And, this time, they're not getting any, so battle lines are dawn. Their latest salvo is their criminal charges against Higher Education Minister, Nobuhle Nkabane ostensibly for misleading parliament over what was meant to be the appointment of an independent panel. The DA claims she lied and appointed ANC cadres instead.

But the hornet's nest was really triggered by the president's axing of the DA's deputy minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Andrew Whitfield. The DA has been having a meltdown ever since, with Helen Zille threatening to unleash a 'nuclear option' - a DA vote of no confidence against President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Protection of Ramaphosa against such a vote in return for the protection of DA interests in the GNU has long been the expectation on both sides when they entered GNU. But, tensions have been simmering for a while between the two parties, despite efforts on both sides to keep the GNU together, in spite of the squabbles and power struggles to captain the GNU ship. Throw in an iceberg and its the perfect battle for survival.

There's no question that the DA's case has merit. Nkabane has been in their crosshairs for a while. The public's wrath over her lack of professionalism when she comfortably chewed gum before a portfolio committee does not help her image. The latest debacle over her questionable appointments and the ANC's silence does make it look like cadre protection – and the DA is going full throttle.

It does then beg the question – is the axing of Whitfield justified in comparison to other transgressions by ANC members of the cabinet? Whitfield – fired for going on a DA party trip abroad without the president's permission, should have been rebuked, sanctioned or suspended. Fired? A tad extreme given the tension in the GNU.

Its not surprising then that the DA has come out guns blazing. And with that, their overbearing authoritarian, bullying aggression which is characteristic of of the party's image.

Demanding Ramaphosa acts within 48 hours, threatening a vote of no confidence, audaciously claiming they have the power to collapse government and withdrawing from a national dialogue aimed at finding solutions affecting South African lives. Yet the DA claims they remain in the GNU because they put South Africans first.

It's not what the DA says that irks most South Africans – and black South Africans in particular. It's how they express their disagreements. That colonial tone of talking down with contempt and the arrogance in overarching importance to their position in the GNU. They behave as though they are captains on the GNU ship and all others mere passengers. Any disorderly conduct and they threaten to throw them overboard. And those on board have had enough. They're now daring the DA to do that – or risk being pushed.

The unfortunate image of the DA as an arrogant party has been difficult for them to shake off – akin with the ANC and corruption. It's a defining perception. And, like not all in the ANC are corrupt, that arrogance in the DA is not a fair assumption of all its leaders. Compare DA leaders in Cape Town to those in KwaZulu-Natal. Chalk and cheese. It comes down to understanding how to address each other as South Africans and respect for cultural ethics. Helen Zille and John Steenhuisen should observe how their party leader in KZN, Francois Rodgers engages. Humble, respectful but disciplined to the DA's values.

Shortly after the DA joined the GNU, I began noticing, as we all did, a shift in their approach. That combative, opposition ferociousness had simmered down. In fact, the ANC was treated like a new friend in the early GNU days. I questioned this, confidentially, with a DA insider. "We've been told to play nice. Not to go after them because of the GNU," came the response. And it was obvious. In the early GNU days, the DA were relatively mute in their criticisms of the ANC.

So, what's changed? Clearly the dynamics. And more importantly, the timing. 2026 is the year of local government elections. The DA wants to govern more municipalities. Gloves are off. They can't do that while remaining silent or playing nice. And so, the DA is back to playing an opposition role. Exposing the ANC, heading to court, brandishing its superiority complex and why it's the saviour of all South Africans.

That is really their game plan. Only this time, the ANC has other options to choose from and has called the DA's bluff. The EFF and MK are willing parties, waiting in the wings – the DA's worst nightmare and kiss of death for them in the GNU, something they don't want.

It's self inflicted and the DA will need serious introspection if it ever came to that. The question is, can the DA humble itself? Can it behave like a GNU partner and not an opposition member?

Even if they win their case and do succeed in getting those ANC ministers removed, there's no going back. This battle with the ANC hits different. The GNU mask is off. And there can be only one victor.

* Zohra Teke is a seasoned journalist, freelancer and contributor.

** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media.