DA quits National Dialogue, vows budget war on corrupt ANC ministers

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has withdrawn from South Africa National Dialogue and will vote against departmental budgets for ANC ministers implicated in corruption.

Party leader John Steenhuisen announced the move on Saturday, citing the African National Congress’ repeated violations of the Government of National Unity agreement.

This decision follows a year of ANC actions undermining multiparty collaboration.

President Cyril Ramaphosa breached the GNU’s founding Statement of Intent by appointing a bloated executive without DA consultation, passing destructive legislation without informing partners, and rejecting power-sharing on economic reforms.

The final straw came when Ramaphosa abruptly removed DA Deputy Minister Andrew Whitfield over a minor travel permission issue—despite giving lighter punishment to ANC minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula for a similar offense in 2020.

Ramaphosa further defied a 48-hour DA ultimatum to act against corruption within his cabinet. He continues shielding officials like Thembi Simelane linked to VBS looting and Nobuhle Nkabane who misled Parliament, while clearing Malusi Gigaba, David Mahlobo, Zizi Kodwa, and Cedric Frolick of state capture charges.

The DA contrasts this with its ministers’ achievements in agriculture, home affairs, infrastructure, and environmental portfolios—which Steenhuisen claims “outperformed 30 years of ANC governance.”

He argues the ANC targets competent DA officials precisely because they shrink corruption opportunities.

Effective immediately, the DA exits the R740 million National Dialogue, calling it an ANC electioneering stunt lacking constitutional authority.

The party will mobilise civil society to halt the process until Ramaphosa fires accused ministers.

Concurrently, the DA will oppose budget votes for departments led by Simelane, Nkabane, and other tainted ANC ministers.

This selective blocking aims to force replacements while maintaining broader budget stability. Steenhuisen warned that continued ANC obstruction could trigger a parliamentary no-confidence motion, noting Ramaphosa presidential powers depend entirely on GNU partners’ support.

“The voters mandated change through multiparty governance,” Steenhuisen stated. “If the ANC prefers protecting corruption over honoring its GNU signature, the DA will use every constitutional tool to defend South Africans’ interests.”