DA wanting to be consulted on PA joining GNU 'a strange way of thinking' - ANC's Ntuli

JOHANNESBURG - The African National Congress (ANC) urged parties in the Government of National Unity (GNU) to refrain from gatekeeping the pact from interested political organisations.

The ANC and Democratic Alliance (DA) expressed conflicting views on the inclusion of the Patriotic Alliance (PA) in the newly formed unity government.

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The DA said it was not consulted about the PA joining the pact, adding that it wasn’t afforded an opportunity to decide whether or not it belongs in the GNU.

The two parties’ sour relationship stems from coalition disputes that have played out in several municipalities, including Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni, in recent years.

While the DA feels it should have been consulted about the PA’s inclusion in the GNU, ANC Chief Whip Mdumiseni Ntuli said the blue party was overstepping its authority.

"We see ourselves as equal partners in the GNU. There is no big brother. This thing of the DA wanting to be consulted before others can join is a strange way of thinking. It’s a betrayal of what this GNU principle actually says."

The PA said it would not be bullied by the DA to rethink its decision to join the GNU.