DA Holds ‘Nuclear Option’ to Remove Ramaphosa, But Will They Pull the Trigger?

Coalition cracks widen as DA wields no-confidence motion amid growing outrage over ANC appointments

The Democratic Alliance (DA) says it’s ready to bring the house down, literally.

Speaking outside Cape Town Central police station on Tuesday, DA Federal Council Chairperson Helen Zille confirmed that the party has a motion of no confidence in President Cyril Ramaphosa “ready to go,” following a series of recent flashpoints that have strained South Africa’s Government of National Unity (GNU).

But she warns: the cost could be catastrophic.

“We have the numbers. We’ve done the head count,” Zille said. “If this vote went ahead, the ANC would likely lose. But we don’t take this lightly. It’s the nuclear option.”

What’s Triggered the Fallout?

The current tensions stem from the DA’s outrage over the dismissal of Deputy Trade and Industry Minister Andrew Whitfield, a senior DA member, who was axed after an unauthorised overseas trip. The DA insists party leader John Steenhuisen asked for a 24-hour window to address the matter internally, but President Ramaphosa went ahead and fired Whitfield.

Things reached boiling point when DA MP Karabo Khakhau and Zille filed criminal charges against Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane, accusing her of lying to Parliament about the appointment of ANC-connected individuals to SETA boards, including misrepresenting the panel as “independent.”

At the centre of the row is a fraud claim involving the alleged naming of Advocate Terry Motau SC as chair of the selection panel, a claim Motau has firmly denied.

“This isn’t a simple blunder. It’s fraud and a direct violation of parliamentary trust,” Zille said.

Can the DA Topple Ramaphosa?

That’s the million-rand question. According to political analysts, the answer is a cautious yes, but it’s complicated.

The DA currently sits in second place nationally and commands significant parliamentary influence. Political analyst Sitabonga Ntombela says the motion could succeed if the DA unites with smaller opposition parties such as the EFF, MK Party, FF Plus, and UDM.

“They could pull it off,” Ntombela said. “But it would come at a huge cost, potentially collapsing the GNU, scaring investors, and forcing South Africa into new elections.”

Professor Bheki Mngomezulu agrees, noting the ANC no longer holds a majority in Parliament after the May 2024 elections. During the sixth administration, Ramaphosa survived multiple votes of no confidence due to sheer numbers. That cushion is gone.

“If the motion goes ahead, and if parties like MK and EFF support it, Ramaphosa is in serious trouble,” said Mngomezulu.

But analysts warn it’s likely a high-stakes bluff.

Is the DA Just Flexing?

Independent political analyst Goodenough Mashego believes the motion is more tactical than practical.

“If the DA brings this motion, they’ll make sure it passes,” Mashego said. “But right now, it’s more about leverage — they’re trying to extract concessions or force the ANC to act on Nkabane without blowing up the whole coalition.”

The DA recently withdrew from the National Dialogue, an inter-party consultation platform, in protest. However, critics argue that this move carries little weight beyond media headlines.

“This is optics,” Mashego said. “The DA is realising the limits of coalition politics. Ultimatums don’t work. They hold one card — but using it could backfire badly.”

Indeed, a vote of no confidence could remove Ramaphosa, but it wouldn’t automatically make the DA the new ruling party. And with parties like the MK and EFF unlikely to support a DA-led government, the fallout could lead to gridlock, a leadership vacuum, or even fresh elections.

Behind-the-Scenes Negotiations Likely

Sources within the ANC suggest that a task team may be sent to negotiate with the DA behind closed doors to defuse the crisis. The ANC’s National Working Committee (NWC) met on Monday to discuss the fallout, and insiders say they are taking the threat seriously.

“The ANC can’t afford this,” Ntombela said. “They’ll likely look for a back-channel resolution.”

Zille insists the DA is acting in the country’s best interest.

“We are the adults in the room,” she said. “We will only use the no-confidence motion if all other measures fail. But we won’t allow the ANC to govern unchecked while corruption thrives.”

What Happens Next?

South Africans could be facing one of the most unstable moments in post-apartheid governance. The DA’s warning shot has sparked both hope and fear, hope for accountability, fear of collapse.

Whether this motion becomes a political reckoning or a pressure tactic, one thing is clear: the honeymoon period for the GNU is over.

Stay with us for updates on whether the DA pulls the trigger or pulls back.

{Source: IOL}

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