South Africa's DA party declares dispute with unity government

Reuters - 25/01
South Africa's Democratic Alliance (DA) party declared itself in dispute with the Government of National Unity (GNU) on Saturday, accusing it of failing to consult its coalition partners on bills relating to health and land expropriation.
  • Health and land expropriation have long been sticking points
  • DA says coalition leaders must seek a way forward
  • ANC says ready to engage
JOHANNESBURG, Jan 25 (Reuters) - South Africa's Democratic Alliance (DA) party declared itself in dispute with the Government of National Unity (GNU) on Saturday, accusing it of failing to consult its coalition partners on bills relating to health and land expropriation.
The DA, the second largest party in the government after the African National Congress (ANC), said it was not about to walk away but relations had to be reset following the disagreements over issues that have long been sticking points.
"We have declared a dispute, and it's up to the leaders of the parties (in the coalition) to decide how to move forward," DA leader John Steenhuisen told a news briefing.
"The president needs to accept that his party is now just another minority party, and that the DA are partners in the GNU. The DA will not, under any circumstances, be reduced to being mere spectators," Steenhuisen said.
President Cyril Ramaphosa's ANC said ...
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