Tensions within the ANC have reached a boiling point as ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa and his deputy, Paul Mashatile, have clashed over the party's stance on the DA in the Government of National Unity (GNU).

The controversy began when the DA voted against the ANC's budget proposed VAT hike in the National Assembly last week, sparking a heated debate between the two parties.

Smaller political parties backed the ANC, helping it to pass the Budget despite the DA not supporting its GNU partner.

The fiscal framework was passed with the help of political parties outside of the GNU, including ActionSA and Build One South Africa (Bosa), on the condition that there there must be further talks to explore alternatives to the VAT hike.

According to a senior ANC member, who was part of the National Working Committee (NWC) meeting that discussed what the party’s intentions were regarding the DA on Monday, there was a fierce battle between Ramaphosa and Mashatile on whether to retain the DA within the GNU or let them go.

Mashatile has been vocal about his disapproval of the DA's actions, stating that their decision to oppose the budget was a clear indication that they were "defining themselves outside the GNU".

In contrast, Ramaphosa has taken a more diplomatic approach, opting to engage with the DA to keep them within the GNU.

According to the source, during the meeting, Ramaphosa and Mashatile did not see eye to eye and this led to divisions in the room.

“Mashatile wants the ANC to move on and form a coalition with other parties that could form another GNU.

This would mean a cabinet reshuffle which would have to be implemented by Ramaphosa who is against it,” the source said.

However, speaking at a press briefing at the ANC’s headquarters in Luthuli House on Monday, the party's Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula said the NWC had decided to "reset" the coalition and engage with parties inside and outside the GNU to address the impasse over the 2025 budget.

Mbalula added that the party would negotiate with all stakeholders, including the DA, to find a way forward.

Mbalula emphasised the need for maturity and discipline within the coalition, stating that "government is government; you have to win the debate within the executive".

"We are deeply concerned by the actions of the DA, whose participation in the GNU has been marred by double-dealing," Mbalula said.

“We have written to political parties, inside and outside the GNU, seeking an audience with them so that the engagements continue over the next five days,” Mbalula said.