DA prepared to return to negotiations as ANC calls for working relationship reset

CAPE TOWN - The Democratic Alliance (DA) said it’s prepared to go back to the negotiating table as the African National Congress (ANC) calls for a reset of their working relationship.

However, DA leader John Steenhuisen is making it clear that his party will not back down on its position on an impending value-added tax (VAT) increase.

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Steenhuisen said his party’s decision to join the Government of National Unity (GNU) remains unchanged to help grow the economy and create jobs.

The party last week lodged a High Court application in attempts to stop VAT being raised to 15.5% in May.

Expectations were high that the ANC was ready to cut the DA loose from its governing agreement after Monday’s national working committee (NWC) meeting.

On Tuesday, the ANC's secretary general, Fikile Mbalula, announced fresh talks aimed at getting all GNU partners back on the same path.

While the DA’s ministerial positions could still be in jeopardy for voting against the fiscal framework last week, Steenhuisen said it’s the ANC that must demonstrate its commitment to sharing power.

“The DA has been consistent and clear about our positions in government, and not once has the DA gone outside the GNU to lobby for support for our position, which is exactly what the ANC did, defining itself outside the GNU.”

With the DA still smarting over the ANC’s tacit deal with ActionSA to pass the budget blueprint, Steenhuisen said his party’s budget proposals are on the president’s desk for consideration.

“These are real and practical solutions that are necessary and foundational to secure South Africa’s fiscal future.”

Steenhuisen said that he’s ready to engage with the ANC on a growth agenda – as soon as the party reaches out to him.