The newly formed 10-party governing coalition of South Africa, helmed by the African National Congress (ANC) party, now enjoys a more stable and harmonious atmosphere, as compared to the turbulent period of the general elections held last May. Following the May 29th elections, in which the ANC experienced a drop to just 40 per cent support, the former liberation movement felt compelled to create a coalition with a wide array of parties to continue its three-decade reign.
Notwithstanding initial apprehensions from the citizens, worried about the possible hurdles the diverse political leaders might face in their partnership due to historical animosity, the trepidation and anticipated internal discord due to substantial ideological dissimilarities on policy matters failed to play out in public at least. Rather, there appears to be a surprising level of congruity and cooperation within the new setup. Particularly, the traditionally contentious relationship between the ANC and former primary opposition, the Democratic Alliance (DA), seems to be easing off.
Three months into this novel political phase, public optimism is on the rise that these past adversaries can jointly leverage their collective strength to revitalize the country’s stagnant economy. DA leader, John Steenhuisen — President Cyril Ramaphosa’s newly appointed Minister for Agriculture — expresses pleasant surprise at the level of harmony among the coalition partners. A positive indication of this harmonious operation, according to Steenhuisen, is seen in the freedom given to the six DA ministers to bring change in their respective departments.
On a closing note, Steenhuisen looks forward expectantly to the incoming five-year development plan of the government, which is slated for public presentation in October; viewing it as a crucial metric for assessing the progress and efficacy of the fresh administration.
The document came as a pleasant surprise, acknowledged for its realistic consolidation of multiple party manifestos, all rooted in universally agreed significant documents including the constitution, the national development plan, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Coalition partners, including the DA and ANC, have traditionally occupied differing political stances; however, the current political climate in South Africa necessitates a united front, as expressed by Steenhuisen.
As an alternative to forming a parliamentary majority with the more extremist parties, such as the left-wing Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the more right-wing uMkhonto weSizwe Party, Steenhuisen explains that the circumstances had forced DA into a coalition, acknowledging the terrifying prospects of radical political partnerships.
Inter-party tensions have surfaced in evaluations of ministerial performance within the newly formed coalitions, particularly those appointed from previously opposing parties and compared to ANC ministers. Reports from local news sources disclose concerns from ANC committee members regarding the performance of ministers from the DA and the Patriotic Alliance, under the leadership of Gayton McKenzie, implying their own ministers’ competency was under question.
Political analyst Gareth Newham from the South Africa-based Institute of Security Studies maintains that while the unity government seems to be collaborating effectively, they remain largely untested. Newham stresses that consistency in approach to major policy areas, such as the ANC’s commitment to implementing universal healthcare, needs to be maintained over the next five years.
Newham flags critical upcoming challenges for the government, notably the 2026 local elections and ANC’s 2027 elective conference, events that are anticipated to place the unity under pressure, with possible splits appearing during the local elections. Newham articulates the risk the coalition faces in attracting votes through deploying national-level leaders during local elections, positing a similar threat in ANC’s internal elections.
The future leadership of the ANC is uncertain, with no obvious candidate to follow Ramaphosa, the party’s most favoured figure. The deputy president, Paul Mashatile, lacks widespread trust, presenting a possibility that the ANC’s upcoming leader may not be well-received by other parties in the coalition.