The DA and the Freedom Front Plus (FF+) have fired back at ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula after he said they could leave the Government of National Unity (GNU) if they wished to do so.

Mbalula’s comments came after the DA voted against the ANC’s budget proposal, which included a VAT hike, sparking a heated debate between all the parties involved in the coalition government.

Parties inside the GNU, apart from the DA and the FF Plus, supported the ANC in narrowly passing the Budget at the National Assembly in Cape Town last week.

Mbalula speaking at a press conference after his party’s National Working Committee meeting this week said: “We are not beholden to the DA, we are beholden to the country. The DA can walk tonight if they want to… let them walk. We managed to pass the budget without the DA.”

DA leader John Steenhuisen, however, in response to Mbalula, said his party is committed to the GNU, emphasising that its primary goal is to grow the country's economy and create jobs.

He said: “That is why the DA signed the Statement of Intent and entered the GNU — we wanted shared governance that prioritises delivery and economic recovery over political convenience.”

The DA said it has also placed a comprehensive set of proposals before President Cyril Ramaphosa to unlock growth and jobs, which it says it is ready to implement.

FF+ leader Corné Mulder, meanwhile, said the party leadership will meet to discuss its way forward in the GNU.

Mulder said in a statement: “The FF Plus wants to be part of a GNU whereby the country’s problems are effectively addressed, and the ideals and needs of Afrikaners and other minorities in SA are met.”

Mulder also criticised the ANC, saying that with the current economic policies pursued, that the GNU’s chances of success were extremely slim.

He added: “Nothing from their side demonstrates a commitment to being part of a constructive new beginning with the aim of resolving SA's economic crisis of virtually no growth, enormous unemployment, decline and stagnation.”