DA threatens to sever ties with Gauteng ANC

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has issued an ultimatum to the African National Congress (ANC) to reinstate Cilliers Brink as Tshwane Mayor or risk the stability of other ANC-run metros.

One week has passed since the mayor was ousted through an ANC-sponsored motion of no confidence. The ANC in Gauteng cited plummeting service delivery in township communities and financial mismanagement as reasons for the move.

Action SA, the DA’s former ally, played a pivotal role in securing Brink’s removal, voting alongside the ANC following a falling out between the two parties. Action SA leader, Herman Mashaba, cited betrayal by the DA leadership at national level.

In a scathing letter, DA Federal Chairperson, Helen Zille, described Brink’s ousting as the “end of the progress” made under the Government of National Unity (GNU), which recently reached 100 days of existence. Zille confirmed talks between DA and ANC leadership in several metros, including Ekurhuleni, Nelson Mandela Bay, and eThekwini, but warned they would withdraw if Brink was not reinstated.

DA Tshwane spokesperson, Kwena Moloto, defended the party’s decision to potentially disrupt stability in other metros should negotiations fail.

ANC Secretary-General, Fikile Mbalula, said the party would respond to the ultimatum next week.

At the same time ANC Gauteng Chairperson and provincial Premier, Panyaza Lesufi, denied Zille’s insinuations of tensions between the ANC’s national and provincial leadership.

“Gogo Helen Zille, the decision to support the motion of no confidence was taken by the national working committee of the ANC, and no amount of propaganda and misuse of media houses will change that narrative,” he wrote on X.

“You will never dictate terms to us, members of the ANC. Never! You can bring all your media friends and media houses; the ANC is not for sale. The ANC is one. There’s no provincial ANC nor local ANC; we are one ANC, not a federal movement,” Lesufi added.