RAMAPHOSA SENDS STERN WARNING TO GNU PARTNERS: "NO RETREAT ON TRANSFORMATION"

President Cyril Ramaphosa.

By Mpho Dube, Editor-in-Chief of The Azanian

President Cyril Ramaphosa has emerged stronger after the ANC's fifth National General Council (NGC), sending a clear warning to GNU partners, particularly the Democratic Alliance (DA), that the party will not retreat on its transformation agenda.

Delivering the closing address of the NGC, Ramaphosa reaffirmed the ANC's commitment to the Government of National Unity (GNU), but emphasized that it must be an ANC-led arrangement that prioritizes the party's "progressive policies". He specifically highlighted broad-based black economic empowerment (BEE) and the National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme as non-negotiables.

The DA has been vocal in its opposition to these policies, with party leader John Steenhuisen accusing the ANC of disregarding the coalition agreement and pushing through policies without consultation. Steenhuisen has also threatened to invoke a clause in the GNU agreement that allows for dispute resolution mechanisms to be established.

Ramaphosa's address was seen as a shot across the bow for the DA, warning that parties trying to undermine the transformation process should not be allowed to succeed. He emphasized that the ANC's participation in the GNU does not alter its long-term strategy for transformation.

The NGC has mandated the ANC's National Executive Council (NEC) to monitor and assess the performance of the GNU and make necessary interventions to ensure it serves the interests of South Africans.

Despite policy divides within the GNU, the coalition has shown stability, boding well for the 2026 municipal elections. Ramaphosa's leadership appears strengthened, with the ANC poised to drive its transformation agenda forward.

The outcome of the 2026 municipal elections will be crucial in determining the future of the GNU and the ANC's transformation agenda.