The Government of National Unity is a farce

The 2024 national elections changed the political complexion of South Africa.

For the very first time since the dawn of our democracy, the ANC garnered less than 50% votes.

This gave birth to the government of national unity (GNU), as previously predicted. The ANC formed a pact with the second most powerful political party, the DA, and other small parties to form the GNU.

Parties such as the PAC, UDM and newcomers Rise Mzansi are part of the government. This is an interesting phenomenon.

However, from the word go, the ANC and DA were at each other's throats. There is no political will to find each other, and they don't stick to their agreement. When will this nonsense stop?

They should seriously consider going their separate ways. A few weeks ago, President Cyril Ramaphosa fired the deputy minister of trade and industry, Andrew Whitfield, for visiting the US in February 2025, without his permission.

The DA, of which Whitfield is a member, reacted with a threat to pull out from the GNU but never did. Interestingly, President Ramaphosa is known for his lack of courage in firing wayward ministers.

However, in the case of Whitfield, he has acted boldly and decisively - and he remains unwavering and unmoved by DA's threats. Wow!

The GNU has been fragile from the beginning. Ramaphosa and DA leader John Steenhuisen are the glue holding it together, but they are now at odds over Whitfield's dismissal. Will the DA stay, after making so many threats to pull out?

Only time will tell. That said, the GNU has proven to be nothing but a farce. Political parties use it for their selfish reasons and gains.

The best interests of the nation have taken a backseat. Cry, my beloved country.

Thabile Mange, Kagiso