Gwede Mantashe dismisses claims ANC always sought to work with DA in government! In a speech at an event commemorating former African National Congress (ANC) president Oliver Tambo in Ekurhuleni, ANC national chairperson Gwede Mantashe firmly dismissed allegations that the ANC has consistently aimed to work with the Democratic Alliance (DA) in government.
Mantashe’s remarks come amid accusations from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the South African Communist Party (SACP), both of which have alleged that the ANC has deviated from its founding principles by aligning with opposition parties like the DA.
However, Mantashe defended the ANC’s actions, labeling these accusations as “unfounded” and “selective.”
ANC Reaffirms Its Standpoint on Political Alliances
During his address, Mantashe clarified the ANC’s stance on alliances and partnerships, especially concerning its relationship with the DA.
He asserted that the ANC does not hold a special or preferential relationship with the DA, nor has it actively sought collaboration with the party.
According to Mantashe, such accusations misrepresent the ANC’s political strategies and intentions. He acknowledged that while alliances are sometimes necessary in a multiparty democracy, this does not mean the ANC is compromising its values or political identity.
“There is no special relationship between the ANC and the DA,” Mantashe emphasized, reiterating that the party remains committed to its foundational principles and core values, which do not include permanent coalitions with opposition parties. He explained that any past instances of collaboration were situational, aimed at achieving specific goals rather than forming a lasting alliance.
EFF and SACP Criticize ANC’s Approach to Opposition Parties
The EFF and the SACP have been vocal in their criticism of the ANC’s occasional willingness to work with opposition parties, including the DA, a strategy they argue undermines the ANC’s legacy and principles. Both parties view these interactions as a betrayal of the ANC’s roots and a move towards adopting what they consider a less transformative agenda. These allegations suggest that the ANC is compromising by engaging in dialogue with parties that hold significantly different ideologies.
The EFF, known for its radical and often uncompromising approach, has especially taken issue with any perceived alignment between the ANC and the DA. The party argues that such actions could dilute the ANC’s progressive stance and ultimately lead to policies that fail to address the deep-rooted inequalities in South Africa.
Similarly, the SACP contends that working with the DA, even in limited capacities, goes against the ANC’s mission of fostering an equitable society.
Mantashe Defends ANC’s Actions, Cites Parliamentary Realities
In response to the criticisms, Mantashe reminded the EFF and SACP that the realities of South Africa’s multiparty system necessitate a certain level of collaboration among political entities. He pointed out that even the EFF and SACP, while critical of the ANC’s actions, regularly share parliamentary spaces with the DA, working alongside them in various committees. Mantashe suggested that calling the ANC’s interactions with the DA “betrayal” was hypocritical given the frequent interaction that all political parties have within government structures.
“When we said everybody is invited, those who didn’t want to be in the same room left. Now they say we are sleeping with the enemy,” he said, dismissing the notion that any single party should be labeled as the “enemy” within the democratic framework.
“I asked them who the enemy is, and they said the DA. I said that is selective righteousness because they all sit with the DA in Parliament, they sit with the DA in committees,” Mantashe asserted, defending the ANC’s approach.
Challenges Facing the ANC in Building Strategic Alliances
The ANC faces a challenging environment as it seeks to navigate alliances and collaborative efforts. Balancing ideological consistency with practical governance demands has become increasingly difficult in a competitive political landscape. As the ruling party, the ANC often must collaborate with different factions to pass policies and drive its agenda, particularly when it faces limited support for its proposals. Mantashe argued that these alliances are practical and strategic rather than indicative of a political shift.
Given the complex political atmosphere, the ANC must decide how to navigate partnerships that allow for governance while retaining its ideological grounding. Mantashe’s response to the EFF and SACP reflects the ANC’s desire to maintain flexibility in alliances without losing sight of its principles.
ANC’s Future Approach to Alliances and Partnerships
Mantashe’s statements suggest that the ANC will continue to pursue alliances when they serve practical purposes, particularly in the fragmented political arena. However, he emphasized that the party will not form enduring coalitions with opposition groups, including the DA. The ANC’s approach to alliances remains grounded in pragmatism, with Mantashe hinting that the party will engage with various parties as necessary but will avoid compromising its values.
As South Africa’s political landscape grows increasingly complex, the ANC’s stance on alliances and partnerships will likely continue to be a focal point of public and political discourse. While the EFF and SACP express concern over the ANC’s alignment with parties they perceive as ideologically opposed, Mantashe’s remarks underscore the ANC’s commitment to both its principles and its need for pragmatic governance solutions.
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