'DA not intent on remaining in GNU' – Helen Zille

Tshidi Madia, in for 702's Clement Manyathela, is joined by Helen Zille, Chairperson of the Federal Council of the Democratic Alliance (DA).

Listen below:

The DA has described a discussion with the African National Congress (ANC) over the future of the Government of National Unity (GNU) this past weekend as 'cordial, but frank'.

The two largest parties in the coalition have locked horns over several issues, including the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act (BELA), the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act and the Expropriation Act since the inception of the GNU in May last year.

Most recently there was the contentious issue of the VAT increase which the DA had suggested could signal the end of its membership of the GNU.

The two parties met on Saturday in Johannesburg, but despite calling the meeting a useful 'clearing of the air', Zille says it's not guaranteed that the DA will remain in the coalition.

"No, we're not intent on remaining in the Government of National Unity. We will make decisions on a day-by-day basis."

- Helen Zille

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Zille says an agreement was reached that the counterparts from both parties must meet regularly.

"That means the President and our leader, John Steenhuisen. That means the Secretary-General of the ANC and myself."

- Helen Zille

"If we can keep the channels clear at that level, we should be able to resolve many problems before they become crises."

- Helen Zille

One of the main issues of contention between the two parties has been around the value-added tax (VAT) increase.

Despite the talks over the weekend, Zille says the DA is not backing down on that particular issue.

"We still have several rounds to go in the fight against VAT and we believe we've got a good chance of winning that fight."

- Helen Zille

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