The Week That Was

Gerald Potash,

Hello again,

Politically we are on a cliff edge. The question that every commentator is asking is; will the GNU survive?

The ANC’s NEC held a meeting on Monday to discuss the future of the coalition and what took place, apparently is that there is a split as to the way forward. It also seems as if Cyril and his Deputy, Paul Mashatile had seriously opposing views on the matter. Some of the top-shots in the party are certain that a new coalition can be formed with the parties who supported the passing of the budget two weeks ago. But Mashatile and his backers want he DA out of the coalition.

I certainly hope the GNU does survive with the DA still part of it but what is apparent is that the ANC is running the country as they always have; with scant consideration for the other political parties in government and who are partners with them in the coalition.

The DA has been disappointing in government in spite of some of their (young) ministers performing outstandingly in the few portfolios that they run. As I write our political landscape is shakey.

Late last week Business Unity SA (BUSA) addressed similar letters to the leaders of the two main parties in government,  Ramaphosa and John Steenhuisen of the DA, asking that differences must be mended so that the GNU can survive. They pointed out the very many advantages of the GNU. But on Monday, in his weekly letter, Ramaphosa arrogantly wrote that “The business sector will not dictate to government”. 

This unusually strong attitude from the Wuss is probably to appease the Mashatlie-faction in the ANC who want the DA out. Adriaan Basson, editor of News24 believes Mashatile is determined to replace Cyril.

The Burger newspaper on Tuesday opines that the ANC haven’t changed and that they haven’t been humbled by their loss in the General Election. They just want to take but not give. This cartoon from Dr. Jack in Tuesday’s Burger is emblematic of the way the ANC works: 

For those who no longer understand Afrikaans

RNE is Afrikaans for GNU. 

Mashatile holds up the brains of the GNU and asks whether this is really necessary? Mbalula’s (Sec Gen of ANC) response is: Not really, look how well the ANC did without them over the years:

The tension continues. ActionSA, the party that rather surprisingly turned to vote with the ANC in the budget vote has let it be known that unless the ANC retracts the VAT increases, as they said was promised them, they will turn against the ANC and torpedo the whole thing.

The ANC have let it be known that they intend to reset the GNU and are talking to all the parties in government about forming a new coalition. The Daily Friend does not believe a re-set can save the ANC. 

Because the Constitution requires all in cabinet to act collectively to pass the budget, Paul Hoffman of Accountabilty Now, points out that in this instance this was not the case. The collective accountability of the cabinet was not achieved and hence the DA, who have taken the matter to court may well have a strong case in having the passing of the budget two weeks ago, declared illegal and of non-effect. The EFF, have joined the DA and have also gone to court to stop the budget becoming law on the 1st May.

It is as if corruption in our government is simply never-ending. This week Leon Schreiber, the young Minister of Home Affairs fired 6 workers in his Dept for dishonesty. Schreiber is a DA member in cabinet. At last something is being done, but Ramaphosa doesn’t act against his cadres, not even those so visibly fingered by Judge Zondo in his commission into malfeasance in government. No, those named mostly got promoted by Cyril.

Yesterday the ’papers carried a story that at CETA (the Construction & Training Authority) the institute’s CEO, Malusi Shenzi is complicit in what he has sworn to eradicate. This corruption just doesn’t stop.

Paul Hoffman believes that unless something is done about corruption soon our State will fail.

Peter Bruce, writing in the Sunday Times believes that Ramaphosa is leading from behind and that he has lost the support of his NEC (National Executive Committee) and his party. He doubts whether Cyril will see out his second term as leader of the ANC saying that those who lead from behind get left behind. 

This week the Rand hit an all-time low against the Pound.  R25=£1.

But this could be only the beginning. Tony Leon, the erudite former leader of the DA has written one of the most depressing letter to News24 that I have ever read. It is a must-read for all SAns and anyone interested in the future of our country. If interested, click on this link:

https://www.ewn.co.za/2025/04/08/actionsa-threatens-to-abandon-agreement-if-anc-doesn-t-withdraw-vat-hike

Sadly, an ongoing news item in our press that I seldom report on is the continuing crimes perpetrated on children. Everyday there are stories about children being abducted and raped or sold and never seen again. This week the rape of a 7 year-old has made front page news. It really never stops. This week 222 people were arrested and charged with rape in our country. These included school kids and minors being raped. What brought this to my attention was this cartoon from Mgobhozi in City Press on Monday so now it is time to mention it.

I made an error in last week’s newsletter. Jacob Zuma went after Billy Downer the prosecutor in his upcoming Arms Deal case, not Gerry Nel. This week Downer responded telling Zuma that no reasonable observer would see any truth in his calling of Zuma’s notorious stalingrading tactics, racist.

The world famous 56 km Two Oceans marathon took place on Sunday in perfect weather conditions emphasizing the scenic beauty of our city. Again runners from all over the world arrived to take part in the field of more than 30 000. A photo of a mother, Cheryl Smith who completed here 35th marathon with her sister, son & husband (also runners in the race) is worth mentioning. I’m not sure who won the men’s race but the lady’s race was won for the 6th consecutive year by Gerda Steyn. There is a rumour that this race will now be known as the Gerda Steyn marathon. 

I watched some of the 2 semi-final inter varsity rugby games early this week. The good news is that it’s the Ikeys vs the Maties for the final.

Spurs won on Sunday afternoon, but against the bottom team in the league who have now cemented their drop from the Premiership for next season.

Tonight Spurs play Eintracht Frankfurt in the first leg of their semi-final clash for the European League final. I am not going to watch.

As always, love to all,                                                                         

Gerald