Power without the DA - here’s a possible new Government of National Unity

In August 2024, Joel Netshitenzhe, the executive director of the think-tank Mistra (the Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection), anticipated the scenario that has now unfolded at Parliament.

His numbers show that without the DA, a Government of National Unity (GNU) would result in a 50-50 outcome with half of elected parties in a power-sharing government and the rest outside. Daily Maverick has added ActionSA and Mmusi Maimane’s Bosa as possible participants in the GNU, given their support to get the first of three legal measures approved to pass the Budget. 

This is a possible early scenario of a GNU 2.0 should the DA quit or be pushed out.

The Presidency has nudged the party out, saying “You can’t be part of a government whose Budget you did not approve,” as this report shows.

Read more: GNU 2.0 loading — ‘You can’t be part of a government whose Budget you opposed,’ says Presidency

Suné Payne reported here on the rapid-fire political fallout and the DA’s urgent approach to the Western Cape Division of the High Court.

In her founding affidavit to the court, the DA’s Helen Zille has asked it to temporarily interdict the implementation of the 0.5 percentage point VAT hike on 1 May 2025 in an action being brought against Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana, SA Revenue Service (Sars) Commissioner Edward Kieswetter and Parliament.

In addition, the DA wants a section of the VAT Act declared invalid and unconstitutional as it does not anticipate or provide for sufficient parliamentary scrutiny under the principle of “no taxation without representation”. 

The party also wants the court to declare proceedings in the legislature on 2 April as unlawful and invalid, and to interdict the Sars commissioner from collecting the tax.

What does this mean for you?

 All we can say is “hold tight” and keep following Daily Maverick. DM