DA federal executive to decide on breakaway from GNU - Zille
Helen Zille is a little cautious on calls for a split, saying this would have ‘profound implications’ on the country and the economy.
The Democratic Alliance (DA)’s federal council chairperson, Helen Zille (C), addressing the media outside the Western Cape High Court on 3 April 2025. Picture: Babalo Ndenze/EWN
CAPE TOWN - Democratic Alliance (DA) federal council chairperson Helen Zille says it is still premature to talk about a split from the Government of National Unity (GNU), adding that the party’s federal executive will decide when it meets later.
She is also a little cautious on calls for a split, saying this would have “profound implications” on the country and the economy.
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Zille was addressing the media on Thursday after filing the DA’s urgent application challenging the adoption of the budget fiscal framework and value-added tax (VAT) increase.
Zille said the DA’s federal executive will be meeting on Thursday to discuss all aspects of the case, and look at various milestones that could come up in the near future.
She said any decision will be carefully considered.
“We know that whatever decision we take will have profound implications for South Africa and our economy, so we are not rushing into anything.”
But she said it is difficult to negotiate with a party that negotiates in bad faith.
She added they will consider all the possible consequences should the party ditch the GNU.
“It was extreme bad faith in the middle of negotiations with the DA for the ANC [African National Congress] to be shopping around for support from parties that are not in the GNU.”
On the party’s court challenge, Zille said the DA has a strong case and is determined to stop the VAT increase on 1 May.