The Democratic Alliance (DA) in South Africa has initiated legal action against its coalition partner, the African National Congress (ANC), over a speech delivered by President Cyril Ramaphosa in May. The DA alleges that the speech, given just before the national election, was used for election campaigning, constituting an abuse of office.
The DA is seeking a court order to reduce the ANC’s vote count by 1% and to fine Ramaphosa $10,900 and the ANC $5,450, but the ANC has dismissed the legal action as “frivolous and unwarranted,” stating that President Ramaphosa was acting within his constitutional rights.
This legal dispute underlines the growing tensions within the coalition government, which was formed after the ANC failed to secure a majority in the national elections.
In the May elections, the ANC’s inability to secure a majority vote necessitated a coalition with the DA, forming a government on a power-sharing basis. However, the partnership has been fraught with discord. Shortly after the coalition was established, President Ramaphosa accused the DA of attempting to create a parallel government, warning against actions that could destabilize their fragile alliance.
The DA’s legal action centers on claims that Ramaphosa’s pre-election speech was inappropriately used for political gain. DA leaders argue that the speech, delivered during a period of heightened electoral sensitivity, crossed the line into electioneering, thereby abusing the privileges of his office.
“We believe this misuse of office for campaign purposes cannot go unchecked,” said DA spokesperson John Steenhuisen. “Our democracy must uphold the principles of fairness and transparency.”
The ANC, on the other hand, contends that the President’s speech was in line with his constitutional duties and did not constitute a breach of electoral regulations.
ANC spokesperson Pule Mabe described the DA’s lawsuit as a desperate move to undermine the coalition government saying: “This action is nothing more than a frivolous and unwarranted attempt to sow discord within our partnership.”
“President Ramaphosa acted within his constitutional mandate, and we are confident that the court will recognize this,” he added.
The case reflects deeper fissures within the coalition. The DA, traditionally viewed as a party representing white South Africans, faces significant resistance from many South Africans who remain wary of its association with the country’s apartheid past.
These historical tensions have made the coalition with the ANC, a party with deep roots in the anti-apartheid struggle, inherently unstable.
Since the formation of the coalition, both parties have struggled to maintain a united front. Accusations and counter-accusations have flown between the partners, with the DA accusing the ANC of failing to meet coalition agreements, and the ANC accusing the DA of undermining governance efforts.
Political analysts suggest that the current legal action by the DA could worsen the already precarious relationship between the two parties.
“This lawsuit is a significant escalation,” said political analyst Ralph Mathekga adding that “It highlights the fragility of the coalition and raises questions about its long-term viability. If the coalition partners cannot find a way to resolve their differences, we could be looking at a political crisis.”
As the case moves through the courts, the spotlight will remain on the coalition government and its ability to navigate these internal disputes. The outcome of the legal proceedings could have far-reaching implications for South Africa’s political landscape, potentially redefining the balance of power within the coalition and influencing future electoral strategies. Reporting by Ollus Ndomu
