South Africa’s coalition government sees Afrikaans conflict as manageable, says DA leader

John Steenhuisen, leader of South Africa’s Democratic Alliance (DA), assured the public that while disagreements are expected in the country’s new coalition government, they will not derail the nation’s hopes for recovery. Steenhuisen’s DA has joined a coalition with the African National Congress (ANC), forming a government of national unity after the May elections, despite historical tensions between the two parties.

Speaking on Thursday, Steenhuisen emphasized that while conflicts over policy would arise, particularly concerning language and education laws, they do not pose a significant threat to the coalition’s ability to govern. “There will be conflicts. There will be policy differences,” Steenhuisen remarked, noting that disagreements are a natural part of any political partnership.

The DA and the ANC, along with eight smaller parties, came together to form the coalition after the ANC lost its parliamentary majority for the first time since 1994. The coalition government, finalized in June, is tasked with tackling major issues like South Africa’s unemployment rate, which stands at a staggering 32%, as well as inequality and stagnant economic growth.

Steenhuisen, now serving as agriculture minister, assured that the DA is committed to focusing on economic growth and job creation, two key areas that unite the coalition. Despite some policy differences, including opposition to a national health law and an education bill, Steenhuisen reiterated the DA’s support for economic reforms, stating, “The ANC has no better ally than the Democratic Alliance when it comes to economic reforms aimed at creating jobs and tackling poverty.”

South Africa’s government of national unity continues to navigate uncharted political territory with a shared goal of overcoming the country’s deep-seated economic challenges.