On 03 November 2025, leaders of all ten political parties in South Africa’s Government of National Unity (GNU) concluded a two-day retreat in Gauteng. The gathering was not merely a discussion forum but an effort to institutionalise mechanisms that manage policy disputes and prevent public fractures, addressing 16 months of escalating tensions that had repeatedly threatened the coalition’s stability.
Since the GNU’s formation in June 2024, deep policy divides between the ANC and DA have spilled into the public domain, threatening to undermining governance and sow doubt over the future of the coalition. Early disagreements over land redistribution, economic and social transformation, the National Health Insurance, and the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act further exposed rifts among GNU members.
These disagreements did not emerge in isolation. They were symptoms of structural weaknesses in the formation of the GNU. Leaders did n have regular formal meetings outside of cabinet meetings, relying instead on reactive, ad-hoc crisis talks that allowed minor disagreements to fester. Worse, there was no clarity on how differences should be handled, leaving parties to air grievances through the media, amplifying divisions and distracting from delivery. The clearing house mechanism established by President Ramaphosa last year never really took shape or flight.
The retreat hopefully confronted the flaws highlighted above. The ratification of Terms of Reference for the GNU Clearing House, a recommending body designed to intercept policy clashes before they erupt publicly is a positive development. The mechanism mandates monthly scheduled meetings, ending the era of sporadic engagement. Unresolved issues will escalate to the Political Leaders Forum, while an “agree to disagree” clause ensures coalition continuity when consensus proves impossible. By creating a formal channel for early intervention, the Clearing House transforms reactive damage control into proactive governance, reducing the risk of media-driven spats that have weakened the GNU’s legitimacy.
Equally significant was the exclusive briefing delivered by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana on the state of the economy, timed just nine days before the mid-term budget speech on 12 November. Fiscal policy has long been the GNU’s most volatile fault line, with the VAT dispute serving as a near-fatal stress test. Previously, the DA had claimed that had not been adequately consulted, on key budget details before tabling. Therefore, sharing sensitive projections privately with coalition leaders enables them to align expectations, negotiate compromises, and pre-empt ruptures before they reach the public stage. This shift from posturing to confidential deal-making is essential for securing future budget passage without renewed threats of withdrawal.
Sixteen months after its fragile inception, the GNU is evolving from a marriage of convenience into a professionalised partnership. The Clearing House and pre-budget briefing are not just procedural, but foundational repairs to a coalition that has been repeatedly tested.
