By Nco Dube | 23 August 2024

As South Africa stands at a precarious economic crossroads, the concept of a Government of National Unity (GNU) emerges not as a beacon of hope but rather as a cynical arrangement between the African National Congress (ANC) and the Democratic Alliance (DA). This partnership, born out of necessity rather than genuine collaboration, is marked by a dual agenda: to address the spiralling economic crisis while simultaneously plotting each other’s political demise ahead of the next elections. With recent unemployment statistics revealing a grim reality, this opinion attempts to delve into the complexities of their alliance and the paradox of their economic strategies.

The Current Economic Landscape

As of August 2024, South Africa’s unemployment rate has reached an alarming 33.5%, with youth unemployment soaring to over 60% (StatsSA: QLFS Q2 2024). These figures are not merely statistics; they represent millions of lives affected by economic stagnation, social unrest, and a growing sense of hopelessness. The country’s economic challenges are compounded by a myriad of factors, including corruption, mismanagement, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In this context, the so-called GNU was conceived as a pragmatic solution to unite the ANC and the DA in a bid to ostensibly stabilise the economy. However, the reality is that this alliance is fraught with cynicism. Both parties are aware that their collaboration is a double-edged sword: while they must work together to implement policies that can alleviate the economic crisis, they are also keenly aware that the other is a rival in the political arena.

The ANC: A Party in Crisis

The ANC finds itself at a crossroads, grappling with its ideological legacy and the weight of corruption scandals that have plagued its leadership. Under Cyril Ramaphosa, the party has attempted to distance itself from the rampant graft that has characterised its governance. However, the public’s trust in the ANC remains severely eroded mainly because the supposed fight against corruption seems superficial and implemented through the factional lens.

In this environment, the ANC’s participation in the so-called GNU is a desperate bid to regain credibility. By aligning with the DA, the ANC seeks to project an image of unity and responsibility, hoping that joint economic initiatives will placate the electorate. However, the underlying cynicism is palpable; the ANC’s motivations are less about genuine collaboration and more about survival. 

The DA: The Opposition’s Opportunism

On the other side of the aisle, the DA is keenly aware of the political capital that can be gained from the ANC’s struggles. The party has positioned itself as the champion of economic reform, advocating for policies aimed at stimulating growth and job creation. However, the DA’s involvement in the so-called GNU is not devoid of self-interest. 

The DA’s leadership, particularly under John Steenhuisen, is acutely aware that any successes achieved in the so-called GNU can be leveraged to bolster their electoral prospects. The party’s strategy hinges on highlighting the ANC’s failures while simultaneously claiming credit for any economic improvements that may arise from their collaboration. 

This opportunistic approach underscores the cynicism inherent in their partnership; while they may work together on paper, their ultimate goal remains to undermine each other’s political standing.

The Illusion of Unity

The GNU, in theory, represents a united front against economic decline. However, the reality is that this unity is superficial. Both the ANC and DA are engaged in a delicate dance, where cooperation is necessary for survival, but betrayal is always lurking in the shadows. 

For instance, as the two parties negotiate economic policies, they are simultaneously positioning themselves for the next election cycle. The ANC may propose initiatives aimed at job creation, but the DA is quick to critique these measures, framing them as insufficient or poorly executed. Conversely, the DA’s proposals for economic reform may be met with scepticism from the ANC, who view them as politically motivated rather than genuinely beneficial.

This constant back-and-forth will create an environment of distrust, where each party is more focused on undermining the other than on fostering genuine economic recovery. The public, witnessing this charade, will be left disillusioned, questioning whether their leaders are truly committed to addressing the country’s challenges or merely playing a political game.

The Role of Public Sentiment

Public sentiment plays a crucial role in this cynical dynamic. As unemployment rates soar and economic conditions worsen, the electorate becomes increasingly restless. The ANC, aware of its dwindling support, is desperate to maintain its grip on power. Meanwhile, the DA seeks to capitalise on this discontent, positioning itself as the viable alternative.

Both parties are acutely aware that the next elections will be a referendum on their performance in the so-called GNU. As such, they are likely to engage in a series of public relations campaigns aimed at showcasing their achievements while downplaying their failures. This spectacle of political theatre serves to distract the public from the underlying economic issues, creating an illusion of progress while the reality remains starkly different.

Economic Policies: A Patchwork of Compromise

In terms of economic policies, the so-called GNU will produce a patchwork of compromises that will often lack coherence and direction. The ANC’s traditional focus on state intervention and social welfare clashes with the DA’s market-oriented approach. This ideological divide complicates the formulation of effective economic strategies.

For example, the ANC may push for increased public spending on social programs, arguing that this is necessary to alleviate poverty and stimulate demand. In contrast, the DA may advocate for tax cuts and deregulation, claiming that these measures will foster an environment conducive to investment and job creation. The result will be a series of half-measures that will fail to address the root causes of the economic crisis.

Moreover, the implementation of these policies shall be often hampered by bureaucratic inefficiencies and corruption, further undermining their effectiveness. The public is then left to wonder whether the so-called GNU is genuinely committed to economic recovery or merely using the crisis as a backdrop for political manoeuvring.

The Road Ahead: A Cycle of Cynicism

As South Africa navigates this turbulent economic landscape, the future of the so-called GNU remains uncertain. The alliance between the ANC and DA is unlikely to yield the transformative change that the country desperately needs. Instead, it risks perpetuating a cycle of cynicism, where political expediency takes precedence over genuine economic reform.

The upcoming elections will serve as a litmus test for this partnership. As both parties vie for electoral advantage, the focus will shift from collaborative governance to political survival. The electorate, fatigued by empty promises and political gamesmanship, may seek alternatives beyond the traditional power structures. 

The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) after its explosive exploits in this year’s May 29^th NPE, only needs to get its house in order and formulate coherent ideological/policy positions to be able to take advantage of the situation.

Conclusion: A Call for Genuine Leadership

In conclusion, the economics of the so-called GNU are marked by a pervasive cynicism that undermines the potential for meaningful change. The ANC and DA, while ostensibly united in their efforts to address South Africa’s economic crisis, are ultimately driven by self-interest and political ambition. As unemployment rates continue to rise and public discontent grows, the need for genuine leadership becomes increasingly urgent. 

South Africa deserves more than a cynical alliance between rival parties; it deserves a commitment to transparency, accountability, and a shared vision for a prosperous future. Only by transcending their political rivalries can the ANC and DA hope to restore faith in governance and pave the way for sustainable economic recovery. 

The time for genuine collaboration is now; the question remains whether these parties are willing to rise above their cynicism and self-interest to serve the interests of the people they were elected to represent.

(Dube is a Political Economist, Businessman, and Social Commentator on Radio and various newspapers. Read more of his articles here: ncodube.blog)