South Africa’s Coalition Partner, Democratic Alliance, Takes President Cyril Ramaphosa to Court
In a surprise move, South Africa’s Democratic Alliance (DA) took the African National Congress (ANC) and President Cyril Ramaphosa to court on Thursday, just days after agreeing to form a coalition government with the same party.
The DA, who is the second-largest party in South Africa, is seeking to have President Ramaphosa’s pre-election speech in May declared an abuse of office and is asking the court to fine him and the ANC $5,450 and $10,900, respectively.
The speech, given three days before the election, was used to highlight the ANC’s accomplishments during its 30-year rule as governing party. The DA argues that President Ramaphosa, in his capacity as head of state, was not permitted to engage in party politics and campaign for the ANC.
The ANC has responded to the court action, calling it “frivolous and unwarranted” and maintains that President Ramaphosa was within his constitutional rights to make the speech. However, the DA believes that the address was used to influence the election and thereby undermine the democratic process.
This recent development marks an early sign of tension in the newly formed coalition government between the DA and ANC. The two parties formed a “government of national unity” after the ANC lost its majority in the May 29 national election, receiving just 40% of the vote.
Prior to the election, the DA had been the ANC’s fiercest critic, but the two parties now work together in a coalition government for the first time. The DA and ANC have largely managed to present a united front over the past month, but this court action may put a strain on their relationship.
The fate of the coalition government and the relationship between the DA and ANC remains uncertain. In the meantime, the court will review the evidence and make a decision on the DA’s allegations against President Ramaphosa.
