Visvin Reddy
South Africa stands at the edge of a political and economic disaster. The so-called Government of National Unity (GNU), led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, is proving to be a catastrophic failure. Barely eight months in power, the GNU has delivered nothing but deadlock, division, and economic decline.
A government at war with itself
The ANC, after losing its parliamentary majority for the first time since 1994, cobbled together a coalition with the DA, IFP, and smaller parties in June 2024. Instead of stability, this uneasy marriage has brought infighting, conflicting policies and paralysis at the highest levels.
Foreign Policy Chaos: The ANC supports Russia; the DA backs Ukraine. This has led to public clashes, contradicting statements, and a lack of clear direction in South Africa’s international relations.
Policy Gridlock: The GNU can not agree on fundamental economic policies, leading to a historic budget delay that sent the rand into free fall.
Factionalism in Parliament: Julius Malema has declared the GNU is “collapsing in front of South Africa,” as tensions between coalition partners intensify.
Economy in freefall
Under the GNU, the South African economy is spiralling downward at an alarming rate:
Rand instability: The currency has been on a roller coaster, rattling investors.
Budget crisis: The postponement of the national budget, due to internal GNU squabbles, has damaged South Africa’s financial credibility.
International backlash: The Expropriation Act of 2024 triggered a storm of controversy. Donald Trump condemned South Africa for “confiscating land and treating certain people VERY BADLY,” leading to a freeze on the U.S. aid. Elon Musk weighed in, warning of potential economic isolation.
Diplomatic disasters
South Africa is becoming a global embarrassment:
Western allies are losing trust. Foreign investment is drying up as the government lurches from one policy contradiction to another.
The Russia-Ukraine crisis exposed deep fractures. Ramaphosa’s government can’t decide where it stands, angering both sides.
Trump’s threat to cut ties looms large. A U.S. freeze on aid, and diplomatic pressure could further cripple the economy.
The GNU is collapsing, and so is South Africa
This is not a government—it is a disaster unfolding in real time. South Africa is in trouble, and Ramaphosa’s GNU is making it worse. This country can not afford another year of this chaos. Every day under this failing coalition brings us closer to deeper economic collapse, rising poverty, and political instability.
The GNU is not saving South Africa—it is dragging it down. The question now is: How much more damage will be done before the country wakes up?
Mzwanele Manyi of the MK Party speaks out
Mzwanele Manyi, Chief Whip of the MK Party, has been vocal about the GNU's failures. He described the recent State of the Nation Address as a "fake address and a waste of time," highlighting the government's inability to address pressing issues. Manyi emphasized that the lack of leadership within the GNU is pushing South Africa towards a crisis.
Manyi's remarks underscore the growing discontent among opposition parties and the public regarding the GNU's performance. His critique highlights the urgent need for a reassessment of the current government's approach to policy-making and governance.
A call to action
South Africa stands at a crossroads. The current trajectory under the GNU is unsustainable and perilous. It is imperative for citizens, civil society, and political leaders to unite in demanding accountability, transparency, and decisive action. The nation's future depends on confronting the failures of the GNU and steering the country towards a path of stability, prosperity, and true democratic governance. The time to act is now, before irreparable damage is done to the fabric of our society.
Reddy is a member of the Umkhonto weSizwe Party and a member of parliament writing in his personal capacity. His views don't necessarily reflect those of the Sunday Tribune or Independent Media