Does the ANC have the ability to expel the DA from the GNU?
No — the ANC (African National Congress) cannot unilaterally expel the DA (Democratic Alliance) from a Government of National Unity (GNU), unless the GNU is structured in a formal and binding coalition agreement that includes expulsion mechanisms and voting thresholds.
Here’s a copy of the Statement of intent:
Statement of Intent of the 2024 Government of National Unity
Here’s a breakdown of how it works:
🔹 1. What is a GNU (Government of National Unity)?
A GNU is typically a broad-based coalition involving multiple political parties, formed to promote unity and stability — especially in divided or transitional contexts. South Africa had one post-1994, led by the ANC under Nelson Mandela, and included the NP and IFP.
There is no constitutional requirement for a GNU — it’s a political arrangement, not a legally defined structure. Its rules depend on inter-party agreements.
🔹 2. Can the ANC expel the DA from the GNU?
Only if the GNU agreement includes such a clause and the ANC has the required majority or control under that agreement.
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If the GNU is informal or based on a memorandum of understanding, there may be no legal mechanism to “expel” a party — the DA could simply choose to withdraw or the ANC could sideline them politically.
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If there’s a formal coalition agreement, the terms would matter:
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Voting thresholds might exist (e.g., 2/3 of member parties needed to expel a member).
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The President’s discretion also plays a role, since Cabinet appointments are made by the President (currently ANC-led).
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🔹 3. What could the ANC do practically?
Even if it can’t “expel” the DA:
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It could reassign or remove DA ministers (if ANC holds executive power).
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It could form a new coalition or restructure the GNU.
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It could undermine the GNU’s legitimacy and seek a vote of no confidence (if opposition support allows).
🔹 4. Can the DA leave voluntarily?
Yes. Any party can walk away from a GNU if it no longer aligns with its values, goals, or voters’ interests.
Great! Let’s break it down — here’s a look at:
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How South Africa’s 1994–1996 GNU worked
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How GNUs and coalition governments function globally
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Key lessons for today’s ANC-DA dynamics
1. South Africa’s 1994–1996 GNU — What Happened?
Background: After the end of apartheid, South Africa’s 1994 election brought in a new democratic government under Nelson Mandela. But due to the interim constitution, there was a mandatory Government of National Unity if a party received more than 5% of the national vote.
Parties in the GNU:
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ANC: Majority party (62%)
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NP (National Party): 20% (represented white conservative voters)
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IFP (Inkatha Freedom Party): 10% (mainly Zulu nationalist)
Structure:
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Proportional representation in Cabinet
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The President (Mandela) could appoint ministers from these parties
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Deputy Presidents: One ANC (Thabo Mbeki), one NP (F.W. de Klerk)
Collapse:
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The NP withdrew in 1996, complaining they were being sidelined.
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The new Constitution (1996) removed the GNU requirement entirely.
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After that, GNUs became optional political agreements, not legal mandates.
2. GNUs & Coalitions Around the World — How They Work
GNUs are usually formed in crisis or transition, and vary in power-sharing design. Some examples:
Zimbabwe (2009–2013)
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GNU between ZANU-PF (Mugabe) and MDC (Tsvangirai)
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Tsvangirai became Prime Minister
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GNU collapsed over power struggles, lack of shared control, and undermining
Germany — “Grand Coalitions”
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Centre-right CDU and centre-left SPD have governed together at times
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Very formal agreements govern roles, portfolios, and dispute resolution
Israel — Rotating PMs
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In some coalition deals, two parties agree to rotate the Prime Minister role
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Collapses often due to mistrust or breach of terms
Takeaway:
GNUs require:
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Detailed agreements
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Clear dispute and exit mechanisms
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Mutual respect and defined power balances
3. Implications for the ANC and DA Today
Assuming SA enters a GNU or coalition after 2024 or 2026 (depending on political shifts), the dynamics might look like:
| Topic | Potential Scenario |
|---|---|
| Cabinet Positions | DA may receive ministries (as in 1994) |
| Policy Conflicts | Could arise around race-based policies, budgets |
| Expulsion Risk | Only possible if defined in a formal GNU contract |
| Power Shift | DA may threaten to leave if marginalized |
| Public Messaging | Both parties must manage their own voter bases |
If no formal GNU document exists, the ANC could remove DA ministers, but it would not be the same as expulsion from a legally structured GNU — it would be political realignment.
Summary
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The ANC can’t expel the DA from a GNU unless there’s a clear agreement allowing that.
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The 1994 GNU was constitutionally mandated and collapsed peacefully when the NP left.
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Globally, GNUs only work with detailed contracts, mutual trust, and power-sharing.
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South Africa’s current/future GNUs are purely political agreements, not legal constructs.
A side-by-side visual comparison of the 1994 GNU vs a hypothetical 2024+ ANC-DA GNU:
Government of National Unity Comparison: 1994 vs 2024+
| Feature / Element | 1994 GNU (Mandela Era) | Hypothetical 2024+ GNU (ANC–DA) |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Basis | Mandatory in the 1993 Interim Constitution | Purely political agreement (no legal mandate) |
| Trigger | Any party with >5% vote had Cabinet inclusion | Formed voluntarily due to electoral results / instability |
| Parties Involved | ANC, NP, IFP | ANC, DA (possibly IFP, ActionSA, others) |
| Presidency | Nelson Mandela (ANC) | Likely ANC leader (e.g., Ramaphosa) |
| Deputy Presidents | Thabo Mbeki (ANC) + F.W. de Klerk (NP) | Possibly shared roles or symbolic titles (if agreed) |
| Cabinet Appointments | Proportional & legally mandated | Negotiated & at President’s discretion |
| Duration | 1994–1996 (until new Constitution adopted) | Open-ended or conditional (based on party cooperation) |
| Exit Mechanism | NP & IFP could withdraw freely | Any party can leave unless legally bound |
| Dispute Resolution | Informal, political dialogue | Must be defined in agreement (if any) |
| Power Sharing Quality | Broad inclusion, but ANC dominated | Depends on negotiated portfolio splits |
| Reason for Collapse / Risk Factors | NP felt sidelined, lack of real power | Policy conflict (e.g., race-based policies, budgets) |
| Constitutional Provision | Yes (in Interim Constitution) | No – 1996 Constitution removed GNU clause |
Key Takeaways
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1994 GNU was a legal obligation, ensuring peaceful transition from apartheid.
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A 2024+ GNU would be a political necessity, formed through negotiations, not law.
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Power-sharing in 2024+ would depend on trust and clear agreements, not constitutional enforcement.
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Either party (ANC or DA) could withdraw at any time, unless constrained by a formal, enforceable pact.