'We are not beholden to the DA,' says Mbalula

JOHANNESBURG - The African National Congress (ANC) has issued a stern warning to the Democratic Alliance (DA), saying the Government of National Unity (GNU) will remain in tact even if the DA chooses to exit the multi-party coalition.

The part’s secretary general, Fikile Mbalula, has accused the DA of undermining the GNU by holding the national budget at ransom.

The DA is strongly opposed to the 0.5% increase in value-added tax (VAT), which is scheduled to come into effect on 1 May.

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Speaking at a media briefing at Luthuli House in Johannesburg on Tuesday, Mbalula said the DA should avoid deceiving itself into believing it’s the glue that holds the GNU together.

“We are not beholden to the DA. The DA can walk even tonight if they want. Let them walk. This GNU will not collapse with us at the helm.”

Mbalula said the passing of the fiscal framework without the DA’s vote proves that the blue party has overestimated its influence in the executive.

“All I’m saying to you is that we managed to pass the budget framework without the DA, and we can still proceed with the division of revenue without them. We are not beholden to them. We’ll pass through without them.”

In a statement, however, the DA now said it’s willing to once again engage in power-sharing talks with the ANC.