South Africa’s New Coalition Government Bracing for Conflicts, Leader Says

In a shocking turn of events, the leader of South Africa’s second-largest political party has expressed his expectations of conflicts within the country’s newly formed coalition government. According to John Steenhuisen, the leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA), the centre-right party unexpectedly joined a coalition government led by the long-ruling African National Congress (ANC) following national elections in May.

Steenhuisen’s DA, along with eight smaller parties, formed a government of national unity after weeks of laborious negotiations. This historic deal came after the ANC lost its parliamentary majority for the first time since apartheid ended in 1994, forcing it to find coalition partners to stay in government.

As South Africa navigates the challenge of stemming its staggering 32 percent unemployment rate, the highest in the world outside a war zone, Steenhuisen warned of many moments of disagreement between his party and the ANC over the next five years. However, he reassured that conflicts over policy do not pose an existential threat to government, citing the need to work together to end the country’s "deep crisis".

In a recent lunchtime speech, Steenhuisen emphasized the focus on economic growth and job creation, stating that his party and he will not let anything stand in the way of achieving these goals. The DA is focused on addressing the country’s issues, including poverty, inequality, and unemployment.

One major point of contention could arise on Friday when President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to sign an education bill that the DA strongly opposes. Steenhuisen has threatened to take his government to court if Ramaphosa signs the law, accusing the ANC of "running roughshod" over its coalition partners.

The DA is also deeply opposed to a national health law introduced before the election, which critics claim will eliminate private health care companies rather than improve public health care. Steenhuisen announced that the DA will challenge this law in court as well.

Despite these tensions, Steenhuisen pointed to a "long list" of policies agreed upon by the ANC and DA since the coalition government’s formation, mainly related to reforming the economy, which has only recorded GDP growth of 1.9% in 2022 and 0.6% last year. The DA leader acknowledged the importance of working with the ANC on economic reforms aimed at creating jobs and tackling poverty.

As the new coalition government navigates these challenges, Steenhuisen’s words provide a sense of reassurance, hinting that even amid disagreements, the partnership remains strong.