The Democratic Alliance (DA), a key partner in South Africa’s unity government, has declared a formal dispute with the ruling coalition, citing disagreements over crucial policy issues such as the National Health Insurance (NHI) bill and the recent land expropriation legislation.
DA leader John Steenhuisen accused the African National Congress (ANC) of failing to consult with its coalition partners on these critical matters, asserting that the DA will not be reduced to “mere spectators” in the governing process.
The DA strongly opposes the NHI bill, which aims to provide universal healthcare coverage, and has also criticized the recently enacted land expropriation law, which aims to accelerate land reform.
The ANC, while acknowledging the DA’s concerns, emphasized its commitment to implementing its transformative agenda.
This declaration of a dispute signals potential instability within the unity government, formed after the ANC failed to secure an outright majority in the last election.
The future of this coalition government now hangs in the balance as the two parties navigate these significant policy differences.