South Africa’s emerging Government of National Unity (GNU) has passed a major political test, with coalition partners successfully blocking a proposed VAT increase — a move widely seen as a victory for inclusive governance and a demonstration of how the country’s new political landscape is taking shape after the landmark 2024 general elections.
The proposal, introduced by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana to raise VAT by 0.5 percentage points, met swift resistance from across the political spectrum. While the African National Congress (ANC) and smaller GNU partners such as ActionSA and Build One South Africa supported the idea, the Democratic Alliance (DA) and Freedom Front Plus opposed the measure, citing the burden it would place on low-income households. Notably, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), although outside the GNU, also rejected the plan — a rare alignment of ideologically diverse parties.
The backlash ultimately forced the ANC to withdraw the proposal, a move observers say illustrates the growing influence of coalition dynamics in shaping national policy. Political analysts argue the GNU, though still in its formative stages, is demonstrating how power-sharing can yield more responsive and balanced governance.
“The VAT reversal was a direct result of negotiated politics,” said political commentator Thandi Maseko. “It shows how parties are being held accountable in real time, and how voters — not just party elites — are benefiting.”
South Africa’s GNU was formed after no single party achieved a parliamentary majority in 2024. While coalition politics in South Africa has historically had a mixed track record at the municipal level — with Johannesburg, Tshwane, and Nelson Mandela Bay often cited as cautionary examples — national coalition governance appears to be charting a different course.
The DA’s participation in the GNU has drawn particular attention, especially after Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber launched a wide-ranging anti-corruption campaign. Schreiber’s department has reportedly dismissed officials implicated in misconduct and referred several cases for criminal investigation. While details on arrests remain unverified, Schreiber’s actions have resonated with voters calling for accountability and reform.
Supporters of the GNU model argue it curtails the excesses of single-party dominance and forces political rivals to work together. Critics, however, warn that it could lead to instability or policy gridlock if not managed effectively.
Still, international precedents offer grounds for optimism. Kenya’s post-crisis unity government in 2008 helped restore stability, while Malaysia’s 2022 coalition government has been credited with restoring investor confidence. In Europe, long-standing coalitions in countries like Germany and the Netherlands have underpinned democratic resilience and economic growth.
As South Africa heads toward the 2026 local elections, analysts say the durability of the GNU will be measured by its ability to deliver tangible improvements in service delivery, job creation, and crime reduction.
“The GNU is not a perfect system,” said University of Pretoria political science professor Sipho Dlamini. “But it offers a real opportunity for democratic renewal — and right now, that’s what South Africa needs.”
With the VAT debate serving as an early example of compromise-driven governance, the coalition model is gaining traction as a viable path forward. Whether it remains a temporary solution or becomes a permanent feature of South African politics may depend on how effectively it delivers results where it matters most: in the lives of ordinary citizens.