In the wake of its historic electoral defeat, the African National Congress (ANC) finds itself at a crossroads, navigating the complex terrain of coalition politics. However, the party's potential alliance with the Democratic Alliance (DA) has sparked internal turmoil, with influential ANC leaders threatening mass resignations if such a partnership materializes. As the ANC's leadership grapples with the coalition conundrum, insiders and sources shed light on the high-stakes drama unfolding behind closed doors.
Sunday World reported that at least five ministers are also part of the group expected to resist a partnership with the DA – a move said to be championed by ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa’s close allies.
Multiple independent sources within the ANC have confirmed that a group of senior leaders has expressed their strong opposition to a coalition with the DA. Should the party proceed with this contentious alliance, these leaders vow to resign, triggering by-elections that could further erode ANC support.
"This is not an idle threat but a matter of political principle. Many councillors are ready to resign en masse, subjecting us to further humiliation," revealed one anonymous insider.
The prevailing sentiment among party insiders and allies is that a coalition with the DA would be nothing short of a political catastrophe. "As a liberation movement, we cannot align ourselves with collaborators and beneficiaries of the apartheid regime, regardless of our desperation. A coalition with the DA would deliver a fatal blow to our legacy," expressed a senior ANC leader on the condition of anonymity.
Questions have also arisen regarding ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa's response to allegations that his close allies within the ANC's national executive committee were engaging in secret discussions about a potential coalition with the DA. Concerns have been raised over the lack of a clear mandate for such negotiations.
"There has been no ANC decision to engage in coalition talks with the DA, and we have repeatedly sought answers regarding the authority behind these discussions, but no satisfactory response has been provided," added the anonymous ANC leader.
Intriguingly, sources suggest that one of the leaders involved in the alleged coalition lobbying has already begun seeking support from ANC provincial leaders, particularly from a senior figure in Limpopo. The matter was expected to be tabled before the party's national executive committee, which convened last night, fueling speculation and uncertainty within the party ranks.
While some ANC members dismiss the coalition allegations as baseless gossip, claiming that the decision-making power rests with the president and the secretary-general, others argue for introspection and soul-searching within the party. One senior NEC member dismissed the claims, stating, "There is no such thing. That is pure fabrication. We will follow the guidance of the president and the secretary-general; everything else is mere speculation."
Amidst the internal strife, another NEC member emphasized the importance of humility and suggested extending an apology to former President Jacob Zuma. Drawing parallels to the ANC's engagement with the apartheid regime during the Truth and Reconciliation Commission process, the member questioned why a coalition with Zuma should be off the table.
"It is better to engage with the known 'devil' than an unknown one. We should also consider reaching out to EFF leader Julius Malema, as their inclusion would provide a two-thirds majority," explained the NEC member.
Critics argue that the ANC's recent electoral defeat revealed a party that had become complacent and disconnected from its constituents.
"Arrogance set in because we held the reins of power and took our people for granted. It has been 30 years, and truth be told, we have done too little for our citizens, but everything for ourselves," lamented an ANC source.
The emergence of factions within the party, driven by a desire for accountability, clashed with those seeking to continue with impunity, perpetuating the cycle of corruption and self-interest.
Amid the ongoing DA lobby, the ANC in Gauteng is exploring alternative options rather than conceding to a partnership with the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), deemed unfavorable, in case the EFF and Umkhonto weSizwe Party options are exhausted.
As the ANC's internal battles intensify and coalition talks loom, the party finds itself at a critical juncture. The decisions made in the coming days will shape the future of South African politics, revealing the ANC's ability to reconcile its internal divisions and regain the trust of the electorate.
