THE future of the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) has never been more uncertain, with tensions between the ANC and DA reaching boiling point over the 2025 Fiscal Framework Policy and Revenue Proposals.
The strained relations between the two parties on a national level are now threatening to weaken their fragile alliance in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), where the GPU is in power.
The 2025 Fiscal Framework, presented by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, was eventually passed, but not without controversy. The DA, a key partner in the Government of National Unity (GNU), voted against it.
In a rare political move, it took parties outside the GNU, like ActionSA, led by Herman Mashaba, to push the framework through.
The fallout from the GNU’s internal divisions is now spilling over into KZN, a province governed by the GPU, which includes the IFP, ANC, DA, and NFP.
The alliance, which is already strained, took more strain after Finance MEC and DA provincial leader, Francois Rodgers, wrote to IFP Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli on Wednesday, expressing his party’s opposition to the Fiscal Framework.
“I must place it on record that the DA, as a partner in the GPU, does not support the 2025 fiscal framework being tabled in the National Council of Provinces today,” wrote Rodgers.
He argued that the 0.5% proposed VAT (Value-Added Tax) hike would negatively affect the poorest members of society, calling it “a tax on survival.”
Rodgers also slammed the budget for lacking any clear direction on economic growth, job creation, or poverty alleviation, which were issues crucial to KZN’s future.
He further stressed the devastating impact the VAT increase would have on vulnerable communities, labelling it a tax on basic survival essentials like food and transport.
Attempts to reach Rodgers for further comment were unsuccessful. Meanwhile, IFP spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa declined to comment, directing the Daily News to Premier Ntuli’s office.
The spokesperson for the provincial government, Bongani Gina, confirmed that Ntuli, currently in Pretoria, had not yet responded to the letter.
"Please note that the premier is currently out of the province. He is in Pretoria attending the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) Meeting to engage in discussions regarding the complaint lodged by Judge President Dunstan Mlambo on behalf of Judge President Kgomo against Judge Henriques,” he said.
The DA’s stance could have far-reaching implications for the GPU, which remains on shaky ground in the face of a fractured national government. The NFP, another key GPU partner, has yet to take a public position, with deputy leader Simphiwe Khumalo stating that the party were still in discussions.
He said the NFP will not comment "until we have reached consensus".
The ANC, meanwhile, was reportedly preparing to oust the DA from the unity government after the party voted against the national budget on Wednesday. The budget passed with a narrow 12-vote majority, with the DA’s opposition cutting deep into the already fragile unity.
ANC chairperson Gwede Mantashe was quick to accuse the DA of destabilising the government, warning that voting against the budget effectively meant the party was walking away from the unity government.
“The DA has effectively removed itself,” Mantashe declared. “By voting against the budget, they are destabilising the country. If you vote against the budget yet hold ministerial positions, you're walking out of government yourself.”
Despite holding six ministerial and five deputy ministerial positions in the unity government, the DA stood firm in its opposition to the fiscal framework. DA leader John Steenhuisen vowed to take the matter to court, claiming that the ANC had unlawfully pushed through a flawed budget process.
Amidst the ever-deepening rift, ANC officials have made it clear that the party would not hesitate to reconfigure the government if the DA refuses to back the budget.
Political analyst Professor Susan Booysen warned that KZN, like other provinces, may soon have to chart its own course. “The provinces have already navigated coalition politics in their own ways, and KZN may end up doing what works for them.”
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