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Striking a balance – Ramaphosa outlines ANC policy with traces of the DA’s blueprint

Striking a balance – Ramaphosa outlines ANC policy with traces of the DA’s blueprint
Leader of the Democratic Alliance John Steenhuisen (centre) applauds as President Cyril Ramaphosa delivers the Opening of Parliament Address for the seventh administration at Cape Town City Hall on 18 July 2024. (Photo: Gallo Images / Jeffrey Abrahams)
Queenin Masuabi
By Queenin Masuabi
19 Jul 2024
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In his maiden GNU speech for the seventh administration, President Cyril Ramaphosa had to strike a balance between the manifesto promises of the ANC and those of other political parties. This resulted in a speech which predominantly endorsed ANC policy with hints of the DA’s blueprint.

In his Opening of Parliament Address on Thursday evening, President Cyril Ramaphosa echoed the government of national unity’s (GNU’s) overarching theme of working in harmony.

He explained that while the GNU was united around many issues, there were still aspects where members needed to find common ground. In his speech, Ramaphosa mostly articulated the ANC’s policy stances, but made some compromises to accommodate the DA.

The speech indicates Ramaphosa’s commitment to the success of the seventh administration, which will depend on the level of collaboration between the parties.

The President mentioned the highly contested National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill, which has been previously criticised by the DA, the second-largest party in the GNU.

Ramaphosa’s signing of the Bill was seen as an electioneering tool for the ANC, which it passed during the 2024 national election season.

ramaphosa anc da speech President Cyril Ramaphosa delivers the Opening of Parliament Address for the seventh administration at a joint sitting of the newly established two Houses of Parliament at the Cape Town City Hall on 18 July 2024. (Photo: Kopano Tlape GCIS)



While the President was resolute about signing off the Bill, he seemed to be less aggressive in how he articulated his message in his speech on Thursday. Ramaphosa mentioned that it was important for stakeholders to come together, resolve differences on the Bill and clarify misunderstandings.

Read more: Motsoaledi punts NHI as public health ‘equaliser’, while DA tones down criticism of Bill

The President expressed the importance of the Social Relief of Distress Grant as he dubbed it the basis for the introduction of a “sustainable form of income support for unemployed people to address the challenge of income poverty”, a nod towards a basic income grant.

This is despite the DA previously accusing the government of creating a welfare state instead of creating jobs. 

Ramaphosa also wants to ensure that local governments properly implement the indigent policy so that the old, the infirm and the poor are helped with the payment of basic services. 

The ANC and DA have divergent stances on Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) — however, Ramaphosa affirmed the seventh administration’s commitment to this policy.

He mentioned that inclusive growth had to drive the redistribution of wealth and opportunity and empower black South Africans and women, as well as all those who in the past had been relegated to the fringes of the economy.

The President mentioned that it was part of the constitutional imperative to redress the imbalances of the past and tackle the slow process of development. According to the president, BBBEE would assist in helping achieve employment equity and support to small- and medium-sized enterprises.

He then mentioned key issues which had previously been mentioned by the DA including the expansion of the basket of essential food items exempt from value-added tax.

The President lamented that while many companies made large profits, millions of South Africans were suffering from rising prices and that there should be a comprehensive review of administered prices.

ramaphosa anc da policy steenhuisen Leader of the Democratic Alliance John Steenhuisen (centre) applauds as President Cyril Ramaphosa delivers the Opening of Parliament Address for the seventh administration at Cape Town City Hall on 18 July 2024. (Photo: Gallo Images / Jeffrey Abrahams)



Former DA shadow minister of finance Dion George (now environment minister) was at the forefront of articulating this stance. The DA has argued that it would alleviate financial pressures on households that battled to put food on their tables.

Read more: Fixing municipalities and their crumbling infrastructure a centrepiece of Ramaphosa’s plan to grow economy

Both parties have largely spoken about professionalising the public sector, but the DA has been especially outspoken against cadre deployment. The DA went as far as asking the courts to force the ANC to release its cadre deployment records, a charge led by recently appointed Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber.

The President said his administration would continue the work under way to professionalise the public service and attract people with skills, capability and integrity.

New Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Dean Macpherson has already promised to stop the construction mafia, which the President mentioned to loud applause from DA MPs.

Ramaphosa also spoke about regulating the fuel levy which has been a long-standing issue raised by the DA. Fuel costs have been crippling for citizens, which the DA’s Kevin Mileham has continuously asked the government to deal with. 

Sense of purpose


Towards the end of his speech, Ramaphosa sprinkled some Madiba Magic in an attempt to evoke excitement and hope for South Africans. 

He said by establishing the GNU, the country had chosen a path where the form of governance would lead to economic growth and more investment, leading to the reduction of unemployment, inequality and poverty. 

“Despite all the challenges, despite our differences, despite all the headwinds, as South Africans we are called upon to remain firmly committed to pursue the path of cooperation, growth and inclusion.”

Throughout his speech, the President had the complete buy-in of at least 70% of Parliament, which is unusual. DA MPs listened attentively and clapped with excitement as he outlined the GNU plans for the seventh administration.

GNU partners have welcomed Ramaphosa’s speech, but have called for the implementation of plans to improve living conditions for all citizens. 

Even with naysayers, South Africans will live with the hope that this renewed sense of purpose for the GNU will continue throughout the next five years. DM

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