Johannesburg – In a surprising turn of events, the African National Congress (ANC) and the Democratic Alliance (DA) have engaged in confidential talks aimed at forming a united front in the wake of the recent national elections. The ruling party's efforts to secure President Cyril Ramaphosa's re-election have led them to reach out to various opposition parties, with the DA being the latest party to respond positively to the ANC's overtures.
Sources close to the negotiations have revealed that the ANC has set up office at a discreet hotel in Johannesburg, where they have been holding secretive discussions with opposition leaders. These talks come just days before the 400 members of Parliament are scheduled to select the country's next president, intensifying the urgency for the ANC to solidify its support base.
The ANC's invitation to the DA for coalition talks was met with cautious optimism, as both parties acknowledged the need for constructive dialogue and collaboration in the interest of the nation. The DA's negotiation team reportedly had a "positive" meeting with their ANC counterparts over the weekend, sparking speculation about the potential for a groundbreaking political alliance.
The ANC's pursuit of a Government of National Unity (GNU) has been a cornerstone of their strategy, as they aim to broaden their power base and ensure stability in the country's political landscape. While the ANC would prefer a GNU that includes the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) and other smaller parties, their engagement with the DA signifies a significant shift in their approach.
The talks between the ANC and the DA were shrouded in secrecy, with both parties remaining tight-lipped about the details of the negotiations. However, insiders suggest that key issues such as policy alignment, governance structures, and shared objectives were discussed during the closed-door meeting.
Meanwhile, Patriotic Alliance (PA) leader Gayton McKenzie has accused certain factions within the ANC of attempting to sideline his party in their quest to remove President Cyril Ramaphosa. McKenzie's claims shed light on the internal power struggles within the ruling party as talks with opposition parties intensify.
McKenzie, known for his outspoken nature, took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express his concerns. He stated, "Snakes within the ANC are trying hard to convince the PA to stay out of the GNU because they wanna use us to get to their President. Our decision will be based solely on what our constituency is being offered by the ANC and not your factional wishes. We are in favor of GNU."
These allegations come as the ANC's National Executive Committee (NEC) convened a special meeting last week to discuss coalition negotiations and other pressing matters. The ANC, aware of the importance of securing the support of smaller parties, has been engaging in discreet talks with various opposition leaders to ensure a smooth path for President Ramaphosa's re-election.
The ANC's efforts to woo opposition parties, including the Democratic Alliance (DA), have been met with cautious optimism. The two parties reportedly held a "positive" meeting over the weekend, according to sources familiar with the matter. While specific details of the talks remain undisclosed, it is evident that both parties are exploring the possibility of collaboration in a GNU.
But the ANC's wooing efforts don't stop there. News24 reported that the governing party has also been engaging in clandestine discussions with the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) and other smaller opposition groups, all in a bid to secure a dominant governing coalition.
