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President Cyril Ramaphosa has firmly stated that the African National Congress (ANC) and the South African government will not be influenced by business interests regarding the future of the Government of National Unity (GNU).

This declaration comes in response to a letter from business leaders urging efforts to maintain the coalition, particularly following recent tensions with the Democratic Alliance (DA).

Business leaders warned, in a letter, to Ramaphosa and DA leader John Steenhuisen, that the government’s collapse, amid a dispute over the national budget, could lead to job losses and economic setbacks, Daily Investor reported.

The letter, signed by prominent business figures like Discovery CEO Adrian Gore and Anglo American leader Duncan Wanblad, emphasised the importance of stability and called for continued collaboration and compromise.

‘We have a great deal to lose. A collapse of the Government of National Unity could reverse the gains we have achieved,’ the leaders wrote, according to the report.

‘We therefore write to you with a simple plea: Stay the course. Stay in the room. Hold the line. Keep building. Compromise.’

Speaking to journalists in Klipspruit West, Soweto on Sunday, Ramaphosa acknowledged receipt of the letter but emphasised that the ANC’s decisions are guided by elected bodies, not external entities.

‘Business does not dictate what happens in government, in the ANC I lead. We take our own decisions based on our considerations of everything that will advance the interests of our people.

‘I want to make it clear the ANC will not be influenced by what business says. We are principally influenced by what our people say,’ Ramaphosa said.

‘Business does not dictate what happens in government, in the ANC that I lead. We take our decisions based on our considerations of everything that will advance the interests of our people. But, of course, like any other citizen, they are entitled, as any citizen is entitled, to express their views, their wishes and their fears…

‘But I want you to be clear that the ANC will not be influenced by what business says. We are principally influenced by what our people say,’ Ramaphosa said.

He added: ‘If we are under any pressure, it is pressure that comes from our people and our people as a whole, not just ANC members. And the pressure that comes from our people is about poverty, inequality and unemployment and those are the issues that influence our decisions. And we have to heed what our people say,’ Ramaphosa said.

He said that the ANC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) will deliberate on the path forward for the GNU.

The coalition faced a significant challenge when the ANC passed a contentious budget without the DA’s support. The budget includes a proposed Value Added Tax (VAT) increase, which the DA opposed, citing concerns for low-income citizens. This disagreement has strained relations within the GNU, leading to public disputes and uncertainty about the coalition’s stability.

In response to these developments, business leaders have expressed concern over the potential collapse of the GNU, warning of severe economic repercussions. They have called on both the ANC and DA to prioritise national interests and find common ground.

Despite these appeals, Ramaphosa remains resolute that the ANC’s course will be determined internally, without external influence.

The NEC is set to convene on Monday to address the coalition’s challenges and chart a way forward.

Also read:

Watch | Mashaba slams DA, warms up to ANC – Is ActionSA joining GNU?

Picture: Frennie Shivambu / Gallo Images

Words: Betha Madhomu / African Insider  

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