The country burns amid the factionalism and politicking
Last week, the parliamentary caucus of the ANC was more united than for some time … around the desire to boot the DA out of the GNU.
President Cyril Ramaphosa smiles as Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen (C) shakes hands with Deputy President Paul Mashatile (R) at the swearing in of ministers, on 3 July 2024, in Cape Town. Picture: RODGER BOSCH / AFP
There is no doubt the DA – with its efficiency and energy – has been making the ANC in government look better than it has in a while.
Ironically, however, the DA – thanks to its forceful attitude in the government of national unity (GNU) – has done much to unite the squabbling factions within the ANC.
Last week, the parliamentary caucus of the ANC was more united than for some time … around the desire to boot the DA out of the GNU.
ALSO READ: WATCH: 'If DA wants SA to function, they'll come to the party,' Mbalula says
MPs who may have formerly considered themselves opponents and who would have put their faction first, came together to pressure President Cyril Ramaphosa and the senior hierarchy to ditch the DA and recruit smaller parties to replace it in the GNU.
There is increasing disquiet – swelling into anger among the more hot-headed ANC MPs – about the perception that the DA wants to have its political cake and eat it, by being part of the GNU but still a vociferous opposition at the same time.
ALSO READ: ANC MPs tell Mbalula to ditch DA in hostile meeting – reports
The feeling among many in the ANC is that Ramaphosa and the party leadership have allowed the DA to get away with metaphorical murder by pushing back on policies, from the Basic Education Laws Amendment Bill to the Expropriation Act, and trying to blackmail the ANC to roll back on these in return for its support on the budget.
The DA, naturally, denies this assessment… but that does not make the belief in it in ANC ranks any less serious.
Layered on top of that is the jockeying for positions in ANC ranks ahead of its elective conference in 2027, with analysts and insiders believing Deputy President Paul Mashatile – no fan of the DA at the best of times – using the issue to push his own leadership agenda.
Meanwhile, amid the factionalism and politicking, the country burns.
NOW READ: Mbalula's 'clumsy' secret budget talks angered ANC leaders
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
an hour ago
- The Citizen
R6.4 billion for Polokwane
The DA in council said the budget speech was the same story, but with different characters. The Limpopo's Polokwane municipality has tabled a pro-poor budget of R6.4 billion, but the municipality's dream of becoming a metro is marred by acute water challenges, involving billions of rands. The council, with a population of nearly 1.2 million, is paying R22 million each month to the Lepelle Northern Water Board, a state-owned water utility under the national Department of Water and Sanitation. The utility is responsible for the bulk water supply in Limpopo. Although the municipality's mayor, Makoro John Mpe, unveiled several multi-year aggressive plans to thwart the water shortages, opposition parties such as the EFF and the DA voiced dissenting views. During the passing of his 2025/26 budget vote speech at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Thursday, Makoro, as he is affectionately known in local government and ANC politics in Limpopo, said his budget was underpinned by three key priority areas- driving inclusive growth and job creation, aleviating poverty and tackling the high cost of living as well as building Polokwane as a capable, ethical and developmental state. He said these priorities will serve as a guiding blueprint for the work his council shall undertake. 'I am pleased to announce that Polokwane municipality has adopted a R6.4 billion budget for the 2025/26 financial year. 'This exuberant budget is projected to grow to approximately R7 billion in the next two years. This positions us well on the path toward achieving our vision of becoming a metropolitan city,' said Makoro, smiling from ear to ear. The mayor, who recently won a third term as ANC Peter Mokaba regional chair for a third term, said approximately R823 million of the budget will be allocated to capital projects, with 83% of it directed towards critical infrastructure developments such as roads, water and sanitation, energy services and community services. This allocation, he said, reflects on the municipality's focus on strengthening service delivery capacity and improving the quality of life for all the residents of Polokwane. Where the money is going The total service delivery capital budget for the 2025/26 financial year, Makoro said, would be allocated as follows: Water and Sanitation: R370.9 million, Roads and Stormwater: R88.7 million, Electricity: R107.6 million, and Refuse removal: R36.7 million. 'In terms of revenue, Polokwane collected over R2.280 billion in the 2023/2024 financial year (excluding VAT refunds from SARS), an increase from R2.153 billion in the previous year. This, he said, was a positive sign of improved financial discipline and enhanced revenue strategies. ALSO READ: Gauteng budget: Here's where your money is going For the 2025/26 financial year, Makoro said his municipality would implement tariff adjustments. He said these increases were necessary to maintain consistent service delivery, especially in the face of economic pressures and utility cost escalations from primary service providers. Water increased by a block percentage ranging from 10.2% to 11.2%, depending on consumption levels, while other municipal services were adjusted by 6%. Rates and taxes increased by 3% for residential properties, agricultural land, public service infrastructure, and public benefit organisations. Out of touch with reality The DA in the council said his speech was the same story, but with different characters. 'The reality on the ground does not seem to hit the mayor. He talked extensively about economic activity in the city, but how is this possible when we have pothole ridden roads, pitch dark streets, including large parts of the CBD and most suburbs. 'Crime is out of control, and we are standing by doing nothing. It is obvious the mayor and his team have no clear plan to tackle these matters,' said DA council caucus leader Jacques Joubert on Friday. NOW READ: Here is how Tshwane will be spending its R54.6 billion budget
The Citizen
11 hours ago
- The Citizen
Top 10 stories of the day: Ramaphosa defends BEE Woman awarded R580k after arrest
Here's your daily news update for 7 June 2025. An easy-to-read selection of our top stories. In today's news update, President Cyril Ramaphosa has defended Black Economic Empowerment (BEE), while NDPP Shamila Batohi faces growing pressure to clarify her claims of political interference in the NPA. Additionally, a woman wrongfully detained for 10 days has been awarded nearly R600 000 in damages by the SCA. Stay up to date with The Citizen – More News, Your Way. News today: 7 June 2025 'Is it greed or jealousy?': Ramaphosa fires back at critics of BEE, Transformation Fund President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC on 16 September 2022. Picture: AFP / Saul Loeb President Cyril Ramaphosa has come out swinging against critics of Black Economic Empowerment (BEE), questioning whether their opposition is rooted in 'greed' or 'jealousy'. Ramaphosa was speaking during his keynote address at the gala dinner of the Black Business Council's annual summit held at the Radisson Hotel and Convention Centre in Kempton Park, Ekurhuleni. Continue reading here Batohi could appear in parliament to explain allegations of corruption inside the NPA National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) Shamila Batohi. Picture: Gallo Images / Phill Magakoe The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) wants the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) Shamila Batohi to appear before parliament next week to give more details about allegations of rogue elements inside the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). Continue reading here Wrongfully arrested woman wins nearly R600k after ordeal that led her to consider suicide Picture: iStock A woman who endured a harrowing 10-day detention after a wrongful arrest has been awarded nearly R600 000 in damages by the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA). Cynthia Nobuhle Khedama initially sued the Minister of Police for R1 million over her arrest and detention, Continue reading here Rebuild VBS, urges ANC treasurer-general VBS Mutual Bank customers at long queues outside the bank in Thohoyandou, Limpopo. Picture: Gallo Images / Antonio Muchave ANC treasurer-general Gwen Ramokgopa has pleaded with the Reserve Bank and National Treasury to assist the Vhembe community in Limpopo to rebuild the collapsed Venda Business Society (VBS) Mutual Bank. More than 53 people have been charged for theft, corruption, fraud, money laundering, contraventions of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act and racketeering for stealing and looting more than R2 billion of VBS money since 2018. Continue reading here R42m water storage facility installed, but taps run dry in Xanthia village A resident of Majakaneng Village fills up containers with water on 3 February 2015. Picture: Gallo Images / Sowetan / Veli Nhlapo A R42 million water reservoir tank built in Xanthia Village, Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga, 10 years ago has never been used since its completion. This is according to the residents, who confirmed that the construction of the reservoir did not assist in bringing a sustainable water supply to the area. Continue reading here Here are five more stories of the day: Yesterday's News recap READ HERE: Top 10 stories of the day: K-word teacher loses labour case | Amerikaners' future uncertain | NPA sabotage claims
Eyewitness News
17 hours ago
- Eyewitness News
Dr Tshenuwani Farisani remembered as a dedicated public servant
JOHANNESBURG - Anti-apartheid activist and reverend Dr Tshenuwani Farisani is being remembered as a dedicated servant of the people, who committed his life to uplifting disadvantaged communities. President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered the eulogy at Farisani's funeral, held at the University of Venda in Thohoyandou, Limpopo, on Saturday. Farisani passed away on Thursday at the age of 76, after battling an undisclosed illness. ALSO READ: Ramaphosa pays tribute to anti-apartheid activist and reverend, Dr Tshenuwani Farisani As a long-serving member of the African National Congress (ANC), he represented the party in Parliament and went on to become the speaker of the Limpopo Provincial Legislature in 2004. In 2022, the Farisani Foundation was established, with a focus on education, economic empowerment, agriculture, technology and information. The foundation has played a vital role in helping children in remote rural areas access quality education. President Ramaphosa said Farisani was a visionary who was committed to fighting poverty and empowering poor communities. 'Dean Farisani soon became attracted to liberation theology, and its message that the true Christian faith demands active resistance to all forms of oppression and solidarity with the poor.'
