CAPE TOWN, South Africa, June 14 – The African National Congress (ANC) and the Democratic Alliance (DA) have agreed to form a national unity government, ending 30 years of ANC majority rule. This unprecedented coalition marks the most significant political shift in South Africa since the end of apartheid in 1994.
DA leader John Steenhuisen declared the formation of the coalition in a televised address, stating, “South Africa is a better country today than it was yesterday. For the first time since 1994, we have witnessed a peaceful and democratic transfer of power to a new government.” He emphasized that multi-party governance is now the “new normal.”
The ANC lost its majority in the May 29 election, leading to two weeks of intensive negotiations with other parties. The agreement was finalized just as the new parliament convened on Friday morning.
Joining the ANC and DA in this coalition are the Inkatha Freedom Party and the right-wing Patriotic Alliance. “Today marks the beginning of a new era where we put our differences aside and unite for the betterment of all South Africans,” said Sihle Zikalala, a member of the ANC’s governing body, in a post on social media platform X.
The newly elected National Assembly, meeting in a Cape Town convention center due to fire damage at its permanent venue, began proceedings with the swearing-in of lawmakers. The election of the assembly’s speaker, deputy speaker, and the country’s president will follow.
