By Johnathan Paoli
The Government of National Unity (GNU) is in its most precarious state since its formation last year following the adoption of the 2025/26 fiscal framework and revenue proposals on Wednesday.
While the Democratic Alliance (DA) Federal Council chairperson Helen Zille said it was too early for the party to decide on its future in the GNU, the party’s top decision-making body has already met to discuss the matter.
And ActionSA, which ended up siding with the African National Congress on the contentious budget, is now considering joining the governing alliance.
Following the DA filing papers in the Western Cape High Court to challenge the legality of the budget process and stop the VAT increase being implemented, tensions within the GNU have escalated, threatening its stability.
“The DA’s Federal Executive met today for 90 minutes and began its discussions on the current situation in relation to the budget, economic reform, the VAT increase, and the DA’s position in the GNU. These discussions are not yet final and will be ongoing,” the party said in a statement.
Meanwhile, ActionSA has weighed in on joining the GNU amid the contentious landscape.
Speaking during a media briefing in Cape Town, ActionSA parliamentary leader Athol Trollip said his party expected the ANC to make good on its commitment to scrap the VAT hike within 30 days.
He also revealed that his party would consider joining the GNU if the DA left.
Trollip indicated that the party would make a strategic decision based on its potential impact—whether as part of the opposition or within the governing coalition.
“If the DA leaves the GNU, whether they get kicked out or they decide to leave, the opposition space is going to get crowded, and we will have to take a strategic decision,” he said.
“Will we still make an impact in opposition, or must we look at perhaps going into government? But that depends on the GNU, whether they want us there or not. We will wait and see, but we will make a strategic decision where we can make the greatest impact.”
While the ANC has not said anything in public about ActionSA joining the GNU, the party’s role in helping pass the fiscal framework may indicate a shifting political landscape.
Trollip said that while ActionSA remained open to negotiations, any participation in government would be conditional on genuine reform, including downsizing the executive and curbing corruption.
Despite its support for the fiscal framework, ActionSA remains sceptical of the ANC’s commitment to responsible governance.
Trollip criticised the ruling party for failing to manage public finances effectively and warned that his party would withdraw support if the VAT hike was not formally scrapped within 30 days.
“We cannot allow political theatrics to distract from real solutions. The ANC must follow through on its commitments, or we will not hesitate to oppose them,” Trollip said.
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