SA’S GNU COALITION MARKS 100 DAYS- A DISCUSSION WITH PROF.ANDRE DUVENHAGE

By Ml Luqman Skink, INX Prime News and Current Affairs Editor

As President Ramaphosa’s coalition government in South Africa reaches 100 days in office, it has received both praise and criticism. However, the real test lies in how the unique coalition will handle pressing issues like the BELA Act and Tshwane’s political turbulence.

To help us analyze the significance of this milestone, Professor Andre Duvenhage, an expert on South African politics, joined Prime Live to shed light on the challenges and potential of South Africa’s 100-day-old grand coalition government.

Duvenhage Gives GNU 'Close to 60%'

Professor Duvenhage says, considering that a government needed to be formed in just two weeks, and the difficulty of bringing together historical rivals shortly after the election results, the GNU deserves full credit for making it work.

“The election results were unforeseen and a huge surprise for the ANC. They had to make quick adjustments to form a government,” said Duvenhage.

Despite these challenges, the government managed to distribute positions among ten different parties. For this achievement, Duvenhage would rate the GNU's performance at close to 60% in its first 100 days.

Biggest Challenges Faced by the GNU

Prof. Andre mentioned that while the BELA Act and discussions surrounding the NHI Bill are ongoing, the GNU’s greatest challenge is the asymmetrical nature of coalitions.

“What happens at the national level isn’t always reflected at the provincial level, as seen with Panyaza Lesufi in Gauteng and the situation in Tshwane,” he explained.

ANC’s Two Factions: Against and For the GNU?

Duvenhage highlighted the internal division within the ANC as the biggest risk to the GNU’s survival, with resistance towards President Ramaphosa from within the party’s ranks.

“There is a group working against Ramaphosa, and I’m hearing rumors that people may defect from the ANC to the MK Party closer to the 2026 local elections,” he said.

Principles of the Statement of Intent Document Must Be Applied

Duvenhage pointed out that more important than what is written on the statement of intent document are the principles it contains and how well they are applied.

He referenced conflicts such as Tshwane’s no-confidence vote, which showed the complications of governing through a coalition, stating that stronger regulations are needed to manage coalition politics more formally.

Will the GNU Complete Its 5-Year Term?

When asked whether the GNU would complete its five-year term, Duvenhage said he gave it a 50-50 chance, citing the need for an elite consensus at the national level to benefit all citizens.

However, he expressed concerns about the lack of support for Ramaphosa within the ANC itself, though Ramaphosa enjoys more backing from the DA in the coalition government.

The Economic Benefits of the GNU

Duvenhage said that the international community and investors have already bought into the idea of a government of national unity, which could lead to tangible economic benefits for South Africa.