SA’s defence against the radicals and anti-constitutionalists

The following remarks were delivered by the Leader of the Democratic Alliance, John Steenhuisen MP, in Cape Town today:

After serving for the past 20 years as the official opposition in South Africa’s democratic dispensation, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has stepped into a new role as the second-largest political party in the Government of National Unity (GNU) where no single political party received an outright majority in the 2024 General Election.

In this new political environment, I have led the DA into the GNU to keep a promise we made to South African voters during our election campaign: to rescue South Africa from the radical and anti-constitutionalist forces which threaten the very foundations of our democracy.

Nowhere is this more evident than in the utterances and behaviour of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) parties which would seek to implement destructive policies and ideals such as the abolition of the constitution, and parliamentary sovereignty – a proposal which harks back to the dark days of our past. Where the EFF and MK seek to break our country, the DA seeks to build it. And where the EFF and MK seek to undo the progress made by a free and prosperous South Africa, the DA will fight to advance it.

The forces now seated across the aisle of the GNU in parliament are led by the likes of impeached high court judge, John Hlophe, and VBS theft-accused, Julius Malema, whose parties are the very antithesis to what we as South Africa hope to achieve. The DA remains the only bulwark against these radical and anti-constitutionalist forces, and our role in the GNU is prevent MK and the EFF from ever getting their hands on the levers of executive power.

It is this commitment first and foremost to South Africa, and to our country’s democratic dream that has led the DA to join the GNU where our party has, for the very first time, an opportunity to introduce the DA difference to national government by means of sound policy, clean accountable governance, and a people-focused governance agenda.

Our inclusion in the GNU has extended the DA’s executive might, and strengthened our legislative capability where we can govern better and scrutinise the executive more effectively for the benefit of all South Africans.

As part of the GNU, the DA has taken up six positions in the national cabinet, six deputy minister positions, five parliamentary portfolio chairperson positions, and three committee chairperson positions. As we embark on this new role in the highest branch of government, I want to reassure South African voters that the DA remains steadfast in our commitment to our founding values and principles, and to the constitution which remains the existential bedrock of our society.

In these new roles, we will demonstrate to South Africans what the DA can do at a national level when given an opportunity to govern, and in parliament we will show South Africans how the legislatures can and should work as effective oversight bodies that keep the executive in check.

While our new role may have evolved, our dedication to the people of South Africa has not wavered. The DA is still here, we have not changed, and we are primed to position ourselves within this new paradigm where we will offer our unique vision for the future of our country. This means that we will continue to fight against problematic national policies and legislation such as the National Health Insurance Act (NHI), the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill, and any proposal which is anti-constitutional or seeks to divide and regress South Africans.

We expect that in his Opening of Parliament Address tomorrow, President Cyril Ramaphosa will outline South Africa’s reform agenda which I am proud to announce, in many cases, is aligned with DA policy when it comes to unlocking investment and economic growth and building a capable state. I am glad to see that the DA’s presence in the GNU is strong and visible, and I trust that the President’s address will reflect the plurality of voices now in national government, and that he will commit himself wholeheartedly to this necessary policy shift.

In parliament, the Democratic Alliance is now, in fact, in the strongest position we have ever been to play the critical oversight role necessary to rescue South Africa. In just a few short weeks since their announcement and election, our ministers and chairpersons have begun, with relentless determination, the crucial work of turning South Africa around.

As the DA remains an independent party within the GNU, we remain committed to our core values and principles, and will continue to serve South Africans with integrity, accountability, and a relentless pursuit of good governance.

In this new chapter, the DA will embrace our elevated parliamentary role, and I am proud of the election of Dr Annelie Lotriet as Deputy Speaker, Werner Horn as House Chairperson, and Dennis Ryder as House Chairperson of Committees in the National Council of Provinces. As challenging as this new beginning for South Africa may be, I look forward to the real change that the DA can bring to these new positions, and the progress it will make for people across the length and breadth of South Africa.

We promised to rescue South Africa from radical and anti-constitutional forces, and we are doing so while charting a new path for South Africa and for the DA in the process. I look forward to taking you along with us as we embark on this exciting new journey for our country.