Azra Hoosen | ah@radioislam.co.za
18 February 2025 | 16:00 CAT
3 min read

In a recent interview on Radio Islam, seasoned journalist and political analyst Qaanitah Hunter provided insight into the stability of South Africa’s Government of National Unity (GNU. She reflected on the recent parliamentary debates, where political parties heavily criticised President Cyril Ramaphosa, creating an impression that the GNU was on shaky ground. She highlighted contentious issues such as the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill, land expropriation, and the contentious Electoral Amendment Bill, noting that these matters could become even more divisive.

Yet, she observed, the GNU remains intact. “It is quite interesting. Last week, that was the centre of discussion – how do these ten parties talk in sync at a very challenging time for South Africa?” she questioned

She pointed out the difficulties facing Ramaphosa, particularly in the wake of diplomatic tensions with the United States under former President Donald Trump, as well as domestic challenges such as economic strain and service delivery issues. Despite this, she noted that the opposition’s attempts to paint the GNU as dysfunctional have not yet materialised into its collapse.

According to Hunter, while the Democratic Alliance (DA) has made efforts to distinguish itself from the African National Congress (ANC), it remains a part of the governing coalition. “The DA sought to assert itself, saying, ‘We are here not to rubber-stamp bad ANC decisions,’ while the ANC hit back, suggesting that the DA was now enjoying the perks of being in government,” she explained.

Hunter recounted her conversation on her latest podcast for The Debrief Network with well-known editor Mondli Makhanya, where he asserted his belief that the GNU would survive. “He said the incentive for political parties to make this work is greater than people realise. What brings the ANC and the DA together is more than people think. They are closer in ideology, despite shouting from different ends on issues like the NHI and transformation policy,” she said.

One key concern is whether the GNU’s stability depends on Ramaphosa’s leadership. Hunter noted that internal party politics could impact the coalition’s longevity. “The fate of any political leader in any of the ten parties that are part of the GNU plays a role. If the IFP gets a new leader, if the DA gets a new leader, if the ANC gets a new leader, the agreement would be up for review,” she said.

Despite initial scepticism, Hunter acknowledged that the GNU had demonstrated a degree of political maturity. “Many did not believe we would see the level of stability we have eight months in. The reality check for these parties is that there is actually no other option.” She pointed out that early murmurs from the DA about leaving the coalition had subsided, and while disagreements will continue, there is a recognition of the magnitude of the political moment.

She also addressed the historical significance of the ANC conceding its loss of an outright majority. “Mondli Makhanya said it is not a small thing that the ANC said, ‘Well, we lost support. We are at 40 percent. We have to co-govern with other people.’ In the past, we have seen liberation movements on the African continent refusing to relinquish power despite election outcomes.”

She compared the ANC’s handling of its 2024 electoral loss to its response in 2016 when it lost control of key metros. According to Hunter, Ramaphosa’s leadership style played a significant role in the smooth transition. “Under Zuma, there was an anti-constitutional sentiment that crept into the ANC. The fear at the time was what would happen to constitutionalists within the party. The 2017 moment was seen as a victory for those who aligned with constitutional democracy,” she said.

Looking ahead, Hunter noted that the upcoming budget speech will be a significant test for the GNU. “It is a dance for access to resources,” she said. “There are touchy issues, for example, the recapitalisation of Transnet. We know where the DA stands, and we know where all of the other political parties stand in terms of the constant funding of money-losing state-owned enterprises.”

She also pointed to South Africa’s growing debt burden as a major concern. “The DA sounded an alarm bell during the SONA debate about South Africa’s unsustainable debt levels. Minister Enoch Godongwana’s speech will be crucial. South Africa’s debt-to-GDP ratio sits at 74 percent, and international organisations recommend that developing countries keep it below 60 percent. There is less money in the pot and more demands.”

Hunter assessed the potential impact of the MK Party’s internal turmoil on the GNU’s future. “The MK Party calls it the ‘so-called GNU.’ If they implode, will those votes go back to the ANC? The ANC has not demonstrated an ability to rebuild its lost support base, but if the MK Party does not sort out its house, those who defected to them will be looking for a new political home,” she said.

With the 2026 local government elections approaching, Hunter noted that voters’ memories of ANC failures at a municipal level may still weigh heavily on the party’s prospects. However, she emphasised that the GNU’s survival thus far suggests that South Africa’s political landscape is evolving in ways that many did not initially predict.

LISTEN to the full interview with Ml Sulaimaan Ravat and seasoned journalist and political analyst Qaanitah Hunter, here.