SA's Venezuela stance divides GNU parties:
Parties within South Africa's unity government reacted differently, some accusing Ramaphosa's ANC of presenting its ...
iol.co.za/capetimes/news/2026-01-06-sas-venezuela-stance-divides-gnu-parties/
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South Africa’s Unity Government Divided Over VenezuelaIn January 2026, South African parties clash over Ramaphosa’s condemnation of the US military strike on Maduro in Venezuela.
- President Ramaphosa condemned the US operation against Venezuela’s former leader Maduro, demanding his and his wife's release.
- Reactions within the national unity government varied, with the ANC presenting its view as the official national stance, sparking criticism.
- Opposition parties accused the ANC of politicizing foreign policy and showing inconsistency compared to its silence on Russia’s 2022 Ukraine invasion.
- Analysts warn that South Africa risks US sanctions that could severely damage its economy if relations worsen.
We reject utterly the actions that the United States has embarked upon and stand with the people of Venezuela.— President Cyril Ramaphosa spoke during Joe Slovo’s commemoration, urging 'decisive action' from the United Nations Security Council.
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left-wing nationalist political party in South Africa
centrist-liberal political party in South Africa formed in 2000
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Mbalula calls for GNU review following ConCourt election candidate victory: Mbalula said that while the ANC is not seeking to muzzle its GNU partners ...
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Key FactsMbalula Questions DA’s Role in South Africa’s GNU
Oct 15, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: timeslive.co.za
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- After the ANC’s victory against the IEC, Mbalula said leaders and GNU partners should reassess the DA’s participation.
- He said the DA’s opposition to the ANC’s case contradicted the signed GNU statement of intent.
- The ANC secured its candidates’ inclusion in six municipalities for the local government election on November 4.
- DA federal council chair Ashor Sarupen called the remarks a removal threat; a review could cost six ministerial and six deputy-ministerial posts.
To come to the Constitutional Court to argue against the enfranchisement of hundreds of thousands of South Africans does not sit easily besides the understanding of intent— Fikile Mbalula, ANC secretary-general; spoken at the Constitutional Court in Johannesburg after the ANC's victory against the IEC on including its candidates in six municipalities
ANC and DA's impeachment committee proposal slammed as 'political manoeuvring': The United African Transformation (UAT) has condemned the ANC and DA's proposal ...
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GNU achievements the result of ANC foundation, Ramaphosa says: The president has pushed back against MPs claims’ that the successes outlined in his State of the ...
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Key FactsGNU: Unity, Reform, and Ownership
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Summary created with AI assistance · Source: mg.co.za
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- Ramaphosa rejected claims that coalition ministers should take credit for GNU successes and stressed that ministers act collectively and share responsibility for outcomes.
- The next reform phase prioritises restructuring state‑owned enterprises, including repositioning Eskom to generate alongside other companies while retaining public ownership and involving strategic partners.
- Private rail operators will be allowed to carry freight on state lines and private electricity producers to use the state grid, and cooperation between ports, rail and the private sector cut security incidents by 50%, including cable theft.
- A dedicated criminal‑justice reform initiative will work with the SAPS, the NPA and the SIU, the GBV national‑disaster classification aims to speed coordinated action, and a review of broad‑based BEE follows reported income gains between 2006 and 2023.
No minister or deputy minister should be claiming their work in the GNU as an achievement of their party.— Ramaphosa addressing MPs, arguing that GNU achievements are collective and should not be credited to individual ministers or parties.
GNU to take centre stage at ANC gathering: Ramaphosa faces test as ANC debates unity with DA
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Inside DA’s bid to end BEE: Vision for ‘economic inclusion for all’, ‘fair’ procurement
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Oct 20, 2025 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: mg.co.za
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- The DA argues that BEE was designed by white-owned big businesses to benefit politically connected elites and preserve existing power structures.
- The proposed Public Procurement Inclusive Bill intends to replace BEE with a system rewarding tangible development, including job creation and environmental sustainability.
- The ANC continues to support BEE as a tool for redressing apartheid inequalities but is unlikely to back the DA’s reform proposal.
- The bill includes phasing out the BEE Commission over one year and establishing a simplified supplier evaluation system that excludes corrupt bidders.
It is now incumbent upon the ANC to recognise that its failed policies no longer enjoy the same public support as before. South Africans seek genuine empowerment rather than trickle-down redress.— Mat Cuthbert, DA head of policy, discussing the need for the ANC to reconsider its policies.
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Thabo Mbeki slams DA’s national dialogue boycott as 'misplaced' and self-defeating
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Key FactsMbeki Rebukes DA’s Withdrawal from National Dialogue
Jul 4, 2025 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: iol.co.za
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- Thabo Mbeki criticizes the DA’s choice to boycott the National Dialogue as misguided and counterproductive.
- The Dialogue is organized by the National Foundations Dialogue Initiative, a civil society group, and is independent of the ANC or government control.
- Preparations involve over 50 organizations and volunteers who have self-funded efforts, now seeking support from the National Treasury.
- Mbeki dismisses claims that the Dialogue is an ANC election tactic and underscores the necessity of citizen engagement in shaping South Africa’s future.
I sincerely hope that all political leaders and the parties they lead will recognize the inalienable reality that the people are our country’s sovereign authority.— Thabo Mbeki, in an open letter addressing DA leader John Steenhuisen, criticizing the DA's decision to withdraw from the National Dialogue.
OpinionThe ANC and DA clash: A pivotal moment in South African politics: As tensions rise between the ANC and DA, the political landscape of South Africa faces a ...
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Jul 1, 2025 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: iol.co.za
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- The Democratic Alliance possesses a no-confidence motion against President Ramaphosa but remains cautious due to potential government collapse.
- The DA filed charges against Minister Nkabane for alleged misconduct in appointing SETA board members.
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- The DA intends to use the no-confidence motion as a last resort after attempting all other avenues.
We certainly have a motion of no confidence against the president up our sleeve, but we always say that our action must be commensurate with the infringement.— Helen Zille, Chairperson of the Democratic Alliance Federal Council, discussing the no-confidence motion against President Cyril Ramaphosa.
‘They've no reason to complain, they decided to be part of this mess’: Malema on DA's threats to Ramaphosa
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Jun 30, 2025 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: timeslive.co.za
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- Julius Malema insists the DA should leave the coalition if it disagrees with President Ramaphosa's leadership.
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- Malema stresses the DA must accept government decisions since it willingly joined the unity government.
They have no reason to complain, they decided to be part of this mess.— Julius Malema on the DA's threats to Ramaphosa.
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- Kenny Kunene of the Patriotic Alliance pledged to protect President Ramaphosa from the DA's potential no-confidence motion.
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The DA does not hold any cards whatsoever.— Kenny Kunene, deputy leader of the Patriotic Alliance, stated in an interview with Newzroom Afrika regarding the DA's threat to table a motion of no confidence against President Cyril Ramaphosa.
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