South Africa’s political landscape is in turmoil as President Cyril Ramaphosa accuses Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen of attempting to establish a “parallel government” in violation of the constitution. The explosive allegation was made in a letter from President Ramaphosa to Mr. Steenhuisen on June 25, which has reportedly caused markets to plummet amidst the escalating dispute. This clash comes shortly after the ANC and the DA agreed to form a government of national unity following the ANC’s failure to secure an outright majority in the recent election. In exchange for granting cabinet positions to DA politicians, the ANC was expected to retain power with President Ramaphosa at the helm. However, tensions arose when the DA demanded additional cabinet posts beyond the original agreement, prompting President Ramaphosa to accuse the opposition party of “moving the goalposts” during negotiations. The dispute further intensified when reports emerged that President Ramaphosa reneged on his promise to assign the Trade and Industry Ministry to the DA, a critical position for reviving South Africa’s economy. In response, the DA threatened to withdraw from the coalition unless the initial terms were honored. This power struggle is unprecedented as South Africa navigates complex political dynamics with the ANC losing its parliamentary majority for the first time since the end of apartheid. With the country facing uncertainty amid the escalating rift between coalition partners, the future of governance and economic stability remains uncertain. Stay updated on the latest developments on BBCAfrica.com and follow @BBCAfrica on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for more insights from the African continent.
South Africa President Accuses Coalition Partner of Constitutional Breach and Market Turmoil
