The Democratic Alliance (DA) has officially ended negotiations with its government of national unity (GNU) partner, the African National Congress (ANC), citing a lack of control over Gauteng deployees in establishing local unity talks. This decision comes before the Tshwane council’s special sitting to elect a new mayor after the ANC-sponsored motion removed the DA’s Cilliers Brink.
In a letter to ANC leaders, DA federal chairperson Helen Zille blamed the ANC for the collapse of metro councils and service delivery failures, emphasizing the need to reinstate Brink as mayor. Zille pointed fingers at Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi for causing friction and defying national leadership.
Despite initial progress in talks for stability pacts in various metros, the relationship deteriorated due to a lack of communication from the ANC’s Gauteng leadership. Zille expressed disappointment in the setback caused by Lesufi’s stance, warning of negative economic consequences for Gauteng.
The DA’s decision to withdraw from negotiations signals a turbulent future for metro councils ahead of the 2026 local government elections, with tensions running high between the two major parties.