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Ramaphosa Considers Alliance with DA in Historic Shift

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. onsiders-alliance-with-da-in-historic-shift.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, February 4th 2026 at 7:37 GMT by Semafor
      Locales: Western Cape, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, SOUTH AFRICA

Johannesburg, South Africa - February 4th, 2026 - South Africa stands at a pivotal moment in its post-apartheid history, as President Cyril Ramaphosa has publicly signaled a willingness to entertain a formal alliance with the Democratic Alliance (DA). This represents a dramatic departure from decades of political tradition and signals a profound reckoning within the African National Congress (ANC) following its diminished electoral performance. The potential coalition, unthinkable just years ago, stems from the ANC's inability to secure an outright majority in recent elections, forcing the ruling party to consider previously off-limits partnerships to maintain power and govern effectively.

Ramaphosa's comments, delivered during a recent interview with the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), were carefully worded but nonetheless unambiguous. He acknowledged the necessity of exploring all viable options for forming a stable governing coalition, explicitly including the DA as a potential partner. This marks a significant softening of the ANC's historically rigid stance toward the DA, a party traditionally perceived as representing the interests of the country's white minority and often criticized for its policies focusing on individual liberties and market-driven economics.

The ANC's recent electoral results, while still placing it as the largest party in parliament, were deeply disappointing. Internal party analysis suggests a confluence of factors contributed to the decline, including widespread dissatisfaction with the slow pace of economic reform, persistent corruption scandals, and a growing sense of disillusionment among younger voters. The inability to decisively win the election has thrown the ANC into a state of internal debate, forcing a reassessment of long-held political principles and strategic alliances.

The historical animosity between the ANC and the DA is deeply rooted in South Africa's complex past. The DA, formerly the Democratic Party, evolved from parties that opposed the ANC during the apartheid era. The ANC, having led the fight against apartheid, has long viewed the DA with suspicion, accusing it of failing to fully acknowledge the injustices of the past and of prioritizing the interests of a privileged minority. The DA, in turn, has criticized the ANC's economic policies as hindering growth and perpetuating inequality. These ideological clashes have historically prevented any meaningful cooperation between the two parties.

However, the current political reality necessitates pragmatism. While smaller parties are also being courted, the DA holds the largest number of seats among the opposition, making it a crucial potential partner in forming a stable governing coalition. Several scenarios are being discussed, ranging from a formal coalition agreement with clearly defined policy objectives to a looser confidence-and-supply arrangement where the DA supports the ANC on key votes in exchange for concessions.

Political analysts predict that any alliance between the ANC and the DA would be fraught with challenges. Negotiating a common platform that addresses the core concerns of both parties will require significant compromises. Key areas of contention are likely to include land reform, economic policy, and affirmative action. The ANC will be keen to preserve its commitment to social justice and redress, while the DA will likely push for policies that promote economic growth and attract foreign investment.

Furthermore, such an alliance could face internal opposition within both parties. Hardliners within the ANC may resist any cooperation with the DA, viewing it as a betrayal of the party's historical principles. Similarly, some DA members may be wary of aligning themselves with a party plagued by corruption allegations. Managing these internal divisions will be a crucial task for any potential coalition government.

The implications of this potential alliance extend far beyond the realm of parliamentary politics. It could reshape the political landscape of South Africa for years to come, potentially leading to a more moderate and pragmatic approach to governance. However, it also carries the risk of exacerbating existing social tensions and undermining the trust between different communities. The next few weeks will be critical as the ANC and the DA engage in delicate negotiations to determine whether a historic alliance is truly possible, and whether it can deliver a stable and inclusive future for South Africa.