Ntshavheni rejects GNU instability fears as parties gear up for local elections

Khumbudzo Ntshavheni

Johannesburg – The South African government has sought to quell speculation about instability within the Government of National Unity (GNU), insisting the coalition remains intact despite increasingly heated political exchanges between its constituent parties ahead of the November local government elections.

Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said the political contestation between parties should not be confused with the functioning of government, stressing that parties were naturally campaigning to win votes.

“The GNU, it’s intact. Remember, this election period, parties are contesting to win elections in the November 2026 elections and that is the work that will continue to be done,” Ntshavheni told the media on Friday after delivering her weekly briefing on the key outcomes of the Cabinet’s deliberations during the week.

The comments came amid growing public clashes between the ANC and DA, particularly in Johannesburg, as political parties position themselves ahead of the 4 November 2026 local government elections.

Cabinet separately confirmed that preparations for the elections were progressing, with coordination mechanisms across all spheres of government in place to support a “free, fair, credible and peaceful electoral process.”

Eskom diesel costs plunge

The briefing also highlighted improvements at Eskom, with Cabinet welcoming a sharp reduction in the utility’s reliance on diesel-powered open-cycle gas turbines.

According to the South African government, diesel expenditure fell from R5.92 billion to R992 million year-on-year, a reduction of more than 83%. The contribution of open-cycle gas turbines to electricity generation also fell from 8.67% to 1.10%.

The government said the improvement reflected stronger fleet performance and a more reliable electricity system, while Eskom’s Energy Availability Factor reached its highest level since 2020.

The Citizen reported that Ntshavheni described the reduction in diesel expenditure as a positive development, noting that gas turbines now account for just over 1% of electricity generation, compared with about 8% previously.

South Africa to host ‘Spring Davos’ in 2028

Cabinet also approved South Africa’s hosting of a World Economic Forum (WEF) Special Meeting in Cape Town from 27 to 31 March 2028.

It will be the first time the WEF Spring Davos meeting is held in South Africa, with government saying the event will provide an opportunity to attract investment and strengthen trade and economic cooperation.

“[This is] the first time the WEF Spring Davos will be held in the country, providing an opportunity to promote investment, trade, economic cooperation and sustainable development,” Ntshavheni said.

The announcement comes after South Africa’s hosting of several major international economic and diplomatic gatherings, including the G20 process, as government seeks to position the country as a gateway for investment into Africa.

AGOA extension and India citrus deal welcomed

Cabinet also welcomed the extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which maintains preferential access for eligible South African products to the US market until 31 December 2028.

Government also welcomed an agreement with India to expand treatment options for South African citrus exports, following almost a decade of negotiations. The agreement is expected to improve market access to India, one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing markets.

Meanwhile, government said it was preparing for the possible registration and introduction of a new tuberculosis vaccine should its Phase 3 trials prove successful.

The Cabinet briefing comes as the GNU faces its first major electoral test since its formation following the 2024 national elections, with the ANC and DA increasingly competing for political ground while continuing to govern together nationally.

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