Whitfield fallout deepens GNU tensions

 

The Democratic Alliance’s (DA) decision to withdraw from the National Dialogue has intensified tensions within the Government of National Unity (GNU).

The blue party is upset over President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to dismiss Andrew Whitfield from his position as the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry.

Whitfield was sanctioned for going on an unauthorised trip to the United States (US).

The ANC is accusing the DA of placing narrow partisan interests above national priorities, calling on them to clarify its real stance within the GNU.

The ANC’s national spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri, says the DA’s move speaks volumes about the party’s character.

“It is rather surprising that the DA has chosen not to support the National Dialogue, not because they oppose its principles, but because a DA deputy minister was dismissed, not only for defying the President, but for also violating established rules.”

“They are willing to undermine national interests in pursuit of their narrow partisan agenda.”

Bhengu-Motsiri reiterated that dialogue is not merely an event, but a critical process in pursuit of social compacting, unity, and national renewal.

The ANC national spokesperson has also slammed the DA’s threat to not support key budget votes, including those for the Ministries of Human Settlements and Higher Education.

“Such actions are not only disruptive but undermine the very spirit and functioning of the GNU, to which the DA has committed itself. These ministries are critical for improving the lives of South Africans, particularly the poor and working class.”

Forum for South Africa (FOSA)’s leader, Tebogo Mashilompane, describes the DA’s decision as opportunistic.

“The Democratic Alliance had all the time and opportunity to oppose this unnecessary and tax costing talk, which is meant to cover up for the failures of the Ministers. We, however, welcome it’s last minute withdrawal. Citizens must also not forget that the withdrawal is encouraged by the Presidential withdrawal of a DA Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry.”

Mashilompane added that the President must fire lazy and fatigued ministers and stop using the anticipated dialogue as a solution to the challenges faced by the country.

“Ordinary citizens are not interested in this dialogue, but they are interested in job creation, eradication of poverty, security of the country, free education, arresting of criminals, protection of children and women,” he adds.

Political commentator, Goodenough Mashego, says the DA’s “stunt” is the best they can do, given the already strained reception by the public towards the National Dialogue.

Mashego believes that the party is trying to see how far it can push the envelope.

He also drew sharp criticism at the DA’s perceived double standard.

“For the better part of their tenure as an opposition, they’ve been talking about being constitutionalists and democrats but when their own goes against stipulations contained in the ministerial handbook, they tend to believe it must be looked the other way, because this is corruption to bypass the President and go overseas where you won’t have correct oversight.”

The political observer believes that the DA was supposed to be the first ones to sanction Whitfield and not even wait for the President.