Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za
3-minute read
30 June 2025 | 12:45 CAT

📷 DA draws line in GNU: Calls for Cabinet accountability while staying the course.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has confirmed that it will remain a partner in the Government of National Unity (GNU), following internal deliberations over the weekend. This comes after the party issued a 48-hour ultimatum to President Cyril Ramaphosa to act against two cabinet ministers accused of corruption: Mughlai Mkhambathi and Temi Semenadi. The President did not meet the DA’s demand within the timeframe.

Speaking to Radio Islam International, DA Federal Executive member Willie Aukamp said the party has adopted a three-pronged approach in response to its concerns. “The DA’s federal executive met on Saturday afternoon when the deadline lapsed. We resolved not to withdraw from the GNU but to take principled steps to assert our position on integrity in governance,” Aukamp explained.

The first of these steps is the DA’s decision not to participate in President Ramaphosa’s proposed national dialogue. The party cited a lack of consultation and transparency in how the process is being organised. “We were not involved in any planning. The President announced a list of so-called eminent persons unilaterally. The dialogue risks being used as an ANC-centric platform,” Aukamp said, clarifying that the DA remains supportive of meaningful national engagement, provided it is inclusive and consultative.

Secondly, the party reaffirmed its stance on rooting out corruption. Aukamp reiterated that certain ministers currently serving in the cabinet have been implicated in reports from the Zondo Commission and in other controversies such as the VBS Mutual Bank scandal. “We believe the President must show leadership by ensuring those implicated in serious wrongdoing are removed from executive positions,” he said.

Aukamp also referred to the removal of DA Deputy Minister Andrew Whitfield, who served in a department that recently awarded a R182 billion contract to a relative of the Deputy President. “This raises serious questions about accountability and due process. The issue goes beyond one individual, it’s about safeguarding public trust,” he noted.

In response, the DA has resolved not to support the budgets of departments led by ministers facing allegations of misconduct. “We can’t in good conscience support financial allocations overseen by individuals under suspicion,” Aukamp said.

Finally, while the DA did discuss the possibility of a motion of no confidence against President Ramaphosa, it decided not to proceed at this stage. “We’ve chosen to give the President the opportunity to act decisively. If no action is taken, the party will re-evaluate its position,” Aukamp concluded.

The situation underscores growing tensions within the GNU as debates around transparency, consultation, and ethics in public office continue to unfold.

Listen to the full interview on Sabahul Muslim with Moulana Junaid Kharsany and Willie Aukamp.