South Africa coalition government faces conflict, but not catastrophic

In Cape Town, South Africa, the coalition government formed after the May 29 national election is facing inherent conflicts among its partners. The Democratic Alliance (DA), led by John Steenhuisen, has joined forces with the African National Congress (ANC) and eight smaller parties, marking a significant shift in the political landscape as the ANC lost its parliamentary majority for the first time since 1994. Steenhuisen described the coalition as a 'marriage of inconvenience' due to the differing ideologies of the DA and ANC, which could lead to disagreements over policy decisions. The coalition government is tasked with addressing critical issues such as a staggering unemployment rate of 32% and stagnant economic growth, which has been a concern for over a decade. Steenhuisen emphasized the DA's commitment to economic growth and job creation, stating that these issues will remain the party's primary focus during their term. However, tensions are already evident, particularly regarding an education bill that the DA opposes, which President Cyril Ramaphosa intends to sign. The DA is also challenging a national health law that could undermine private healthcare, indicating a willingness to take legal action against the government. Despite these conflicts, Steenhuisen noted that there is a list of agreed-upon policies aimed at economic reform, highlighting the complexity of governance in this coalition. As the coalition navigates its differences, the success of its initiatives will be crucial for South Africa's future, as the country grapples with deep-rooted issues of poverty and inequality.