Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za
3-minute read
25 July 2025 | 13:58 CAT

📷 MK Party sharpens opposition role as GNU faces critical tests on governance, corruption, and coalition unity.

Three weeks after explosive allegations by KZN Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Mkwanazi rocked the country, and two weeks into President Ramaphosa’s announcement of a Judicial Commission of Inquiry, political dust is far from settling. The MK Party, once dismissed as disorganised, is now emerging as a formidable opposition force, making constitutional challenges and tabling motions of no confidence in the president.

Political analyst Angelo Fick told Radio Islam, “We’re beginning to see flashbacks to when the DA, during the Zuma years, played an effective opposition role. The MK Party is now attempting something similar.” With internal parliamentary reshuffles stabilising, MK is shifting from mere populist statements to active legislative oversight.

Their constitutional challenge to President Ramaphosa’s appointment of an investigating panel and the looming no-confidence vote signal more than political theatrics; it’s a crucial stress test for the Government of National Unity (GNU). As Fick noted, “This will reveal just how closely knit the GNU partners truly are.”

Beyond opposition tactics, the state’s capacity to address deep-rooted corruption is also under scrutiny. Former Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, speaking at an anti-corruption conference, lamented the Hawks’ inability to match the Scorpions’ investigative rigour. “Almost two years after the State Capture Report’s release, there’s little public evidence of follow-up or prosecution,” said Fick. He added, “This is a test of the second Ramaphosa administration’s political will.”

Meanwhile, the appointment of three new IEC commissioners from a shortlist of 11 is drawing scrutiny amid concerns over declining voter confidence and low youth registration. “We need strong individuals to strengthen the IEC, especially with local elections around the corner and the rise of populist actors casting doubt on electoral outcomes,” warned Fick.

Finally, with the 2025 Appropriations Bill passed, GNU coalition infighting seems momentarily quelled. Disagreements over VAT, fuel levies, and budget approvals threatened to derail the coalition earlier this year. Fick suggests the removal of the Higher Education Minister may have been a strategic concession. Still, he warns, “If internal GNU disagreements continue leaking into the public domain, citizen confidence in stable governance will erode further.”

As the country edges towards the 2026 local elections, the next few months may prove decisive for the opposition, for the GNU’s cohesion, and for South Africa’s democratic credibility.

Listen to the full ASRI Report on Sabahul Muslim with Moulana Sulaimaan Ravat and Angelo Fick.