For Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I’m Lumkile Nkomfe.

Making headlines: DA rules out quitting coalition; ANC firm on its values in 'constructive' meeting with DA; And, Gabon's constitutional court confirms Nguema's presidential win

DA rules out quitting coalition

The leader of the Democratic Alliance said his party remains committed to being part of the nation’s coalition government despite ongoing wrangling over key policies and legislation, and has no intention of walking away.

The ANC and the DA, its two biggest members, have sparred over the adoption of contentious land-expropriation, health insurance and education legislation, and most recently the National Treasury’s proposal to hike value-added tax — all of which raised questions about the alliance’s durability.

Tensions escalated this month, when the ANC enlisted the backing of parties that aren’t part of the coalition to pass the fiscal framework — legislation that underpins the budget — after the DA withheld its support. The DA then filed a lawsuit contesting the adoption of the legislation on procedural grounds.

Yesterday, the Treasury backed down, saying it would scrap the planned VAT hike, cut spending to fill a R75-billion gap in the budget over the next three years, and seek to settle the court case with the DA.

DA leader John Steenhuisen said while the saga illustrated the need for the so-called government of national unity to be reset and for it to adopt more effective dispute-resolution mechanisms, retaining the alliance in its current form would ensure there was political stability and remains the best option for governing the country.

ANC firm on its values in 'constructive' meeting with DA

During its discussions with the Democratic Alliance, the African National Congress said it remained rooted in its values and resolutions, and will not compromise on the fundamental goals of social and economic justice, equity, and transformation, while the DA described the meeting as "forthright and constructive".

ANC national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said South Africa must come first, highlighting that political party leaders owe it to South Africans to rise above political interests and work together for shared progress.

Meanwhile, DA Federal Council chairperson Helen Zille said its discussions with the ANC focussed on the way forward on the budget, as well as a strategy for economic growth.

She noted that similar meetings will continue on a regular basis as parties seek to address the most pressing challenges facing South Africa in the GNU.

And, Gabon's constitutional court confirms Nguema's presidential win

Gabon's Constitutional Court has confirmed that Brice Oligui Nguema won the Central African nation's April 12 presidential election.

Nguema is set to be inaugurated on May 3, marking the beginning of his seven-year term.

He secured victory against seven other candidates, garnering 58 074 votes, which accounts for 94.85% of the total, according to the court.

In August 2023, Nguema led a coup that ended 56 years of rule by former President Ali Bongo and his family. He has pledged to boost agriculture, industry, and tourism while diversifying the economy of the oil-rich nation.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

Don’t forget to follow us on the X platform, at the handle @PolityZA