Ramaphosa Defends ANC’s GNU Decision as National General Council Confronts Internal Dissent

ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa opened the party’s four-day National General Council (NGC) on the East Rand by strongly defending the National Executive Committee’s decision to form a Government of National Unity (GNU). The move was taken shortly after the 2024 national and provincial elections, when the ANC’s support dropped below 50% for the first time since the democratic transition.
The NGC is expected to scrutinize the NEC’s decision, particularly its partnership with parties such as the Democratic Alliance (DA), whose policy positions often clash with those of the ANC. Several ANC members argue that internal structures were not sufficiently consulted before entering into a GNU. Since the formation of the new government, tensions have emerged over issues including broad-based black economic empowerment, the transformation fund, and the Expropriation Act.
Addressing delegates, Ramaphosa insisted that the ANC’s ideological core remains intact within the GNU. He said the governing priorities—such as inclusive growth, job creation, reducing poverty, tackling the high cost of living, and building a capable and ethical state—reflect the ANC’s traditional policy agenda. Ramaphosa added that despite resistance from right-wing groups, the party has not abandoned its progressive domestic or foreign policy positions.
Ramaphosa reminded members that the ANC’s reduced support—40% in the elections—made a coalition unavoidable. The NEC determined that inviting all parliamentary parties to join a GNU was the most stable path forward for the country. The GNU currently includes the DA, IFP, Freedom Front Plus, UDM, Rise Mzansi, Al Jama-ah, PAC and the Good Party, all of whom received executive roles in exchange for supporting Ramaphosa’s presidency.
However, discontent lingers within the ANC over key cabinet portfolios handed to other parties. These include Home Affairs and Basic Education, both led by DA ministers; Correctional Services, allocated to the FF Plus; the Deputy Finance Minister post, also held by the DA; and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), led by the IFP. Critics argue these strategic ministries should have remained with ANC deployees.
The NGC will now debate whether forming the GNU—particularly without wider consultation—was the correct decision and whether it might further damage the ANC’s electoral performance ahead of the 2026 local government elections.