Sat Jun 28 16:38:47 UTC 2025: ## Summary:

South Africa’s Democratic Alliance (DA) has withdrawn from President Cyril Ramaphosa’s “national dialogue” initiative, calling it a waste of time and money. This follows rising tensions between the DA and Ramaphosa’s African National Congress (ANC), partners in the Government of National Unity (GNU). The DA leader, John Steenhuisen, cited government corruption, the firing of DA deputy minister Andrew Whitfield, and ideological clashes as reasons for their withdrawal. Steenhuisen also issued an ultimatum, demanding the removal of ANC members facing corruption allegations within 48 hours, a demand rejected by the presidency.

## News Article:

**DA Pulls Out of National Dialogue, Threatens to Collapse South African Government**

**Johannesburg, South Africa** – The Democratic Alliance (DA), South Africa’s second-largest party and a key member of the Government of National Unity (GNU), has withdrawn from President Cyril Ramaphosa’s “national dialogue” initiative, escalating tensions within the coalition government and raising concerns about its stability.

DA leader John Steenhuisen on Saturday labelled the dialogue a “waste of time and money,” citing persistent government corruption under Ramaphosa’s leadership. The DA’s withdrawal follows a series of escalating disputes between the right-leaning, market-friendly DA and the center-left ANC, including disagreements over budget allocation and Black empowerment laws.

Adding fuel to the fire, President Ramaphosa recently dismissed DA deputy minister Andrew Whitfield for an unauthorized trip to the United States. Steenhuisen denounced the firing, claiming Whitfield’s requests for permission were ignored by the president.

In a dramatic ultimatum issued prior to the withdrawal, Steenhuisen demanded the dismissal of ANC members facing corruption allegations, including Thembi Simelane and Nobuhle Nkabane, within 48 hours. “All bets are off,” he warned, threatening unspecified consequences if the ANC failed to comply.

The presidency swiftly rejected Steenhuisen’s ultimatum. In a statement released Friday, Ramaphosa’s office stated the firing of Whitfield was due to “a clear violation of the rules and established practices” for ministers. “Let it be clear that the President shall not yield to threats and ultimatums, especially coming from members of the Executive that he has the prerogative to appoint in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa,” the statement added.

The DA’s withdrawal from the national dialogue and its ultimatum to the ANC place the already fragile GNU under immense pressure. The ideological differences between the two parties, coupled with the recent controversies, raise serious questions about the future of the coalition and the stability of the South African government. Analysts are closely watching the situation, anticipating potential realignments in the political landscape.

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