New defence committee co-chair elected after Malusi Gigaba’s controversial exit

ANC Youth League leader Collen Malatji has urged President Cyril Ramaphosa to remove Democratic Alliance (DA) ministers from the Government of National Unity (GNU), stating that the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) must demonstrate greater maturity if it wishes to join the coalition. Malatji made these comments during a media briefing at Luthuli House in Johannesburg, following escalating tensions between the ANC and the DA over the ANC’s legal challenge regarding the reinstatement of 181 candidates excluded from the November 4 local government elections. The Constitutional Court recently ordered the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) to include the candidates on the ballot papers. Malatji indicated that the ANCYL initially believed collaborating with the DA would provide some stability to the GNU. However, he claimed the DA has instead pursued a destabilizing agenda. He accused the DA of promoting a racist agenda, citing political donations made to the party by companies linked to Capitec Bank’s founder, Michiel Le Roux. Malatji has previously called for a public boycott of Capitec, alleging the bank is anti-black and opposes broad-based black economic empowerment (B-BBEE). Le Roux has denied using Capitec funds to finance the DA, asserting that the donations came from his other companies, Fynbos Ekwiteit and Fynbos Kapital. In 2022, these companies contributed R15 million to the DA, with additional contributions noted in the party’s August 2023 donation disclosures. Malatji suggested that Ramaphosa should remove all DA ministers and initiate discussions with other political parties regarding the GNU’s composition. He proposed that the EFF could be included in the GNU if its leadership showed more maturity. “If they can warm up and behave, they can come and join the government of national unity,” Malatji said, criticizing the DA’s leadership and questioning its political identity. He argued that the ANC faces increasing pressure from communities due to its decision to govern alongside the DA, which he characterized as a right-wing organization. Tensions between the ANC and the DA have intensified over the issue of candidate nominations. DA spokesperson Karabo Khakhau criticized ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula for threatening its coalition partners rather than accepting responsibility for failing to submit candidate nominations on time. She likened Mbalula’s stance to that of a bitter spouse refusing accountability. The ANC celebrated a significant legal victory after the Constitutional Court ruled in favor of including its 181 excluded candidate councillors on the ballot for the November 4 elections. The court ordered the IEC to reinstate the candidates in several municipalities, including Port St. Johns, Ingquza Hill, Sundays River Valley in the Eastern Cape, Mangaung in the Free State, and uMshwathi in KwaZulu-Natal. The IEC confirmed it would comply with the court order despite tight deadlines following the dismissal of the ANC’s earlier application to overturn the commission’s rejection of its candidates. Political analysts expressed mixed views on the implications of the court’s decision. Professor Ntwanano Mathebula emphasized the need to question the governance system increasingly reliant on judicial intervention. Legal analyst Dr. Mkhuseli Vimba acknowledged the ANC’s relief at the ruling but warned of potential disadvantages, noting the limited time remaining for campaigning and the need to convince voters of the ANC’s worthiness for election. He highlighted the potential for the South African Communist Party (SACP) to gain traction in certain areas due to its independent candidacy and local knowledge. The ANC welcomed the court’s decision, emphasizing its commitment to constitutional principles and the importance of resolving electoral issues through legal channels. It pledged cooperation with the IEC to ensure an orderly electoral process aligned with the court’s directives. As the local government elections approach, the ANC reiterated its focus on community engagement, addressing service delivery challenges, and strengthening local governance structures.