The African National Congress (ANC) has been the dominant party in South Africa since the end of apartheid—a system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination that ended in the early 1990s.
However, recent years have seen increasing political competition, with the Democratic Alliance (DA) emerging as a significant opposition force. The DA has gained support across various communities in South Africa, advocating for clean governance and economic reform.
Liberal Democrats in South Africa
In the Philippines, the Liberal Party is widely recognized as the principled political coalition that champions democracy, open government, rule of law, and individual freedoms. The Democratic Alliance is its counterpart in South Africa, known to advocate for transparency, accountability, and economic freedoms.
Both the Liberal Party of the Philippines and the DA are members of Liberal International (LI), a global federation of liberal political parties dedicated to promoting liberal democracy worldwide, highlighting the commitment of member-parties to these shared principles.
Recently, the DA made a significant move by joining the ANC in a Government of National Unity (GNU) to address the country's socio-economic challenges.
Formation of the Government of National Unity
In South Africa’s 2024 elections, the ANC lost its majority for the first time since the end of apartheid, securing only 40% of the vote.
The Democratic Alliance followed with 22%, prompting the formation of a coalition government. The ANC, DA, and a handful of smaller parties have come together to form a GNU, marking a historic moment in South African politics.
The decision to form a GNU was driven by the need for political stability and effective governance. The GNU aims to prioritize economic recovery, job creation, land reform, and infrastructure development. The DA's involvement in the GNU is expected to bring a business-friendly approach to economic policies.
DA's Role and Vision
In a statement from John Steenhuisen, leader of the Democratic Alliance, he says, “The DA is proud to rise to the challenge, and take our place, for the very first time, at the seat of national government where we can introduce our track record of governance excellence, zero tolerance for corruption, and pragmatic policymaking based on outcome and not intent. The mission to create an open, opportunity society for all South Africans now becomes our sole focus as we work the levers of the highest level of government in our country.”
The DA has secured several key cabinet positions, which will enable the party to advocate for its core principles of transparency, accountability, improved public services, and economic reform. DA secured 12 Cabinet and Deputy Ministers, as follows:
DA Cabinet Ministers:
Minister of Agriculture (John Steenhuisen, DA Party Leader)
Minister of Basic Education
Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
Minister of Home Affairs
Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies
DA Deputy Ministers:
Deputy Minister of Finance
Deputy Minister of Energy and Electricity
Deputy Minister of Small Business Development
Deputy Minister of Higher Education
Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition
Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation
Valuable Insights for Filipino Liberals
The activities and achievements of our liberal counterparts in South Africa serve as a source of encouragement for liberal democrats in the Philippines. The Democratic Alliance's proactive role to join the Government of National Unity highlights the power of liberal values in driving much needed policy reforms.
For Filipino liberals and the Liberal Party of the Philippines, these developments offer valuable insights. They underscore the importance of resilience, strategic collaboration, and unwavering commitment to democratic ideals. As we continue to monitor the progress of our international partners, we strengthen our collective mission to champion liberal values within our domestic context.
Stay tuned for more updates on how the achievements of liberal parties abroad can influence local initiatives, fostering a more prosperous and democratic future for the Philippines.