POLITRICKING | ‘This is coalition country’ – DA Chief Whip Gwarube talks multi parties, Steenhuisen and ‘dislodging’ the ANC

“We are not in the business of resuscitating the ANC from its death bed.” 

This is the view of the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) Chief whip in Parliament, Siviwe Gwarube, as she pours cold water over suspicion that despite her party leading a multi-party charter aimed at unseating the African National Congress (ANC) in government, it might welcome the idea of a coalition with the former liberation movement should the opportunity arise.
 
Gwarube is this week’s guest on Politricking with Tshidi Madia, an Eyewitness News politics podcast. 

During the sit-down, she reflected on the 6th administration of Parliament, which is winding down this week, her party’s ambitions, and its track record, as well as how the DA has governed the Western Cape and managed coalitions.
 
“I believe this is coalition country,” she said while discussing the various scenarios currently at play.
 
Gwarube has played a part in trying to shape the country’s approach to power sharing. She argues that coalitions are the future, and that politicians must make sense of why the voters are moving away from throwing majority of their support behind one party - and quickly adapt.
 
Part of the options she’s helped to put on the table include extending the 14-day window period which parties have to form governments, in the case that no outright winner is declared, to 30 days. She says two weeks is simply too short a time.
 
“What ends up happening is that agreements of expedience end up being made hastily that don't stand the test of time. We don't have the luxury of going into a national election in a national coalition or a provincial coalition that will not last the five years,” she remarked.
 
The DA is currently in charge of the Western Cape, but finds itself as vulnerable as the ANC, with some predicting it could lose its majority. 

In 2019, it achieved 55% of the votes, but is currently facing fierce competition from several newcomers on the political scene.
 
It is also expected to be punished to some extent for its inability to stand with the people of Gaza, as that region faces a continuous barrage of attacks, which have targeted civilians and aid from Israel.
 
The increase in opposition parties seeking to unseat the DA have resulted in what has been largely described as a meltdown by the federal leader of the organisation, John Steenhuisen, as he tries to fight off parties seeking to grow in the Western Cape.
 
For Gwarube, Steenhuisen’s comments, which have largely been described as having “swart gevaar” undertones, and being undemocratic and tone deaf, are misunderstood.
 
“It would be entirely undemocratic to say people can’t campaign in certain areas,” she said.
 
Gwarube said she asked for clarity, and believes Steenhuisen was merely pointing out that the common enemy is the ANC, and the opposition should work together in “dislodging the ANC.”
 
And while the DA claims, “to govern better,” Steenhuisen’s remarks suggest the party is aware of its shortcomings in the Western Cape. This on the back of criticism that it fails to provide proper care and services to poorer areas, where mostly black and coloured communities are based.
 
“It's not perfect, there are many people in the Western Cape who can say, look, yes, I can recognise that life is better. But I need more,” she said.
 
Gwarube, while full of high praise for City of Tshwane Mayor Cilliers Brink, admitted the DA struggled to find its footing in that coalition.

She described Tshwane as a difficult metro.