Helen Zille Fires Back at Fikile Mbalula Over GNU Review Threats, Says DA Will Not Be Captured
- Helen Zille has responded sharply to African National Congress Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula
- Mbalula called on the ANC to review the Democratic Alliance's place in the Government of National Unity
- South Africans weighed in on Zille's response to Mbalula, with many believing that the DA would not leave the GNU
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Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online.
GAUTENG — The Democratic Alliance's (DA) Helen Zille has pushed back against warnings from Fikile Mbalula that the African National Congress may reconsider the DA's role in the Government of National Unity (GNU).
In an interview with eNCA on 15 October 2026, Zille responded directly to Mbalula's suggestion that the ANC should "review" its partnership with the DA.
"What Fikile Mbalula is basically saying is that we'll throw the economy to the dogs because the DA stands up for what is right," she said.
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"We're not captured by them. We have our positions," Zille added.
Mbalula raises GNU review after court ruling
Mbalula, the Secretary-General of the ANC, made his remarks after the Constitutional Court ruled in the ANC's favour, reinstating 181 ANC candidates for the 4 November 2026 Local Government Elections across six municipalities.
"There are matters, comrades, that this movement will now have to sit down and discuss, and one of those matters is our partners in the Government of National Unity, and that is the DA. We must review the DA in the GNU," Mbalula said.
Mbalula took aim at the DA after the party served as the second respondent in the Constitutional Court matter. It argued that strict adherence to electoral deadlines is a prerequisite for free and fair elections. Mbalula questioned the DA's court opposition, asking what kind of partner challenges agreements made in the GNU's statement of intent.
How did South Africans react?
Social media users weighed in on Zille's comments, with many questioning how the DA could oppose the ANC but also be in partnership with them.
MaYo Mayo said:
"The ANC and DA are partners in private."
Thilivhali Mulangaphuma stated:
"You simply just can't play dual roles. You're either a partner or in the opposition. You can't be both."
Ginindza Sibos agreed:
"You can't be the opposition and be in a coalition."
Msindisi Jama Sikela added:
"DA is an opposition party. It can be in coalition with the ANC, but it's still an opposition party."
Ntshebele Mmaswi Bapela claimed:
"The ANC and DA deserve each other. Fikile must stop threatening to leave the DA-ANC coalition, because we all know that he's bluffing."
Other stories about Zille and the ANC
- Zille weighed in on a public feud between senior ANC figures over vote-buying allegations.
- Mbalula said that the ANC hates the GNU as he verbally attacked the DA's Zille.
- Zille reiterated that the DA weren’t in the GNU for perks after comments made by Mbalula.
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Source: Briefly News
