The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK) has firmly stated that it will not enter into any coalition with the African National Congress (ANC) as long as Cyril Ramaphosa remains the president of the party. The MK has been vocal in its demand for Ramaphosa to step down immediately. This stance was reaffirmed by MK spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela.

“Let us be clear, we want Ramaphosa to go. We are speaking to the ANC and we met with them today, but it’s not the ANC of Ramaphosa. The ANC knows what it needs to do to save this country, and that is to ensure he steps down. There are those within the ANC who don’t want him to go because they are protecting their own interests, but there is an overwhelming consensus from key ANC leaders that he needs to go in the interests of the country,”

said Ndhlela.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has also made its position clear, stating that it will not join the ANC’s proposed Government of National Unity (GNU) if the MK, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), or the Patriotic Alliance are included in the coalition.

Both the EFF and the MK have consistently expressed their unwillingness to collaborate with the DA. However, the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) has agreed to join the GNU, which includes the ANC and the DA. The IFP and the DA currently share governance responsibilities in several municipalities across KwaZulu-Natal.

This situation leaves the ANC, which remains the largest party despite its diminished majority, with a crucial decision. The ANC must choose between forming a coalition with the DA without the inclusion of the MK and EFF or creating a broad-based black coalition that excludes the DA.

Even if the ANC opts for the latter, significant challenges remain. These include the EFF’s demand for the Finance portfolio and other key positions such as the role of parliamentary speaker.

Nhlamulo expressed confidence that a resolution could be reached, provided that those within the ANC take the necessary actions to advance the country’s interests.

When asked about comments from ANC Secretary General, Fikile Mbalula, stating that Ramaphosa would not be stepping down, Nhlamulo responded:

“Fikile has ambitions of being the president of the ANC, what he says publicly and what he does behind the scenes is another thing. Those wanting Ramaphosa gone outweigh those who want him to remain. But if the ANC decides to go into any coalition involving the DA, that would be the end of the ANC. That’s a guarantee.”

The political landscape remains tense as parties navigate these complex dynamics, with the future of potential coalitions and the leadership of Cyril Ramaphosa hanging in the balance.