South Africa’s Government of National Unity seems to be more stable since some teething problems have been overcome and tensions eased. But there are several forces that could derail this progress. South Africa’s 18-month-old Government of National Unity (GNU) has hobbled from one crisis to the next since it was established on 14 June 2024.
But as preparations for another State of the Nation Address (Sona) and Budget begin, the big question is whether the GNU has matured enough to survive the terrible twos. Since its inception, the 10-party coalition has bickered about everything from the Budget to National Health Insurance, affirmative action policies, education and foreign policy. Its biggest test, perhaps, was in February and March 2025, when the GNUfailed to pass the Budgeton two occasions, a first for the country.
The first attempt at a Budget didn’t even make it to the National Assembly after last-minute talks in the GNU Cabinet collapsed because of opposition to its proposed VAT increase from 15% to 17%. Meanwhile, ideological and policy differences among the GNU parties, particularly the ANC and the DA, have continued to put added pressure on the power-sharing arrangement. However, the feeling among most parties in the GNU is that it is starting to experience a measure of stability.
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ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu told Daily Maverick that one of the GNU’s core strengths has been its “institutional stability”. “Despite early tensions, the GNU has maintained policy continuity, protected fiscal credibility and ensured government does not grind to a halt. There has also been a maturing culture of negotiation, where differences are resolved through structured processes rather than confrontation,” Bhengu said.
DA leader John Steenhuisen seemed to agree. “The GNU has shown institutional resilience, maintaining continuity despite disagreements,” he said. “Decision-making has become more consultative.
Importantly, it has demonstrated that political competition and cooperation can coexist, marking a meaningful shift in governance culture.” According to Steenhuisen, the 2025 Budget bust-up marked a defining moment for the GNU. The DA was one of the parties that took the VAT hike to court. “It illustrated that the DA was not simply going to rubber-stamp government decisions where they were misaligned with our values and what is in the best interests of South Africans. This brought about a more ‘consultative’ approach, which is welcomed.” After the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement was tabled in Parliament in November 2025, DA finance spokespersonDr Mark Burke told Daily Maverickit seemed that Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana had listened to the party’s concerns – a sign that the GNU may hopefully avoid another Budget crisis this year.
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