The Democratic Alliance (DA) has stated that the withdrawal of ActionSA from the multi-party coalition in the City of Tshwane has led to political instability, jeopardizing the city's future. This decision follows ActionSA's exit from the coalition government, which is led by DA Executive Mayor Cilliers Brink. Funzi Ngobeni, the Gauteng leader of ActionSA, clarified that this move was motivated by genuine public interest rather than personal or political agendas.

Reports indicate that ActionSA's actions were not impulsive but stemmed from serious concerns regarding governance and public financial management. Despite these challenges, DA Tshwane spokesperson Kwena Moloto affirmed the DA's commitment to the residents of Tshwane. He noted that the coalition had achieved significant successes over the past 18 months. However, ActionSA's disappointing performance in the 2024 general election has prompted a realignment with a faction of the African National Congress (ANC) that opposes the Government of National Unity (GNU).

This faction, led by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, has previously resisted forming a Government of Provincial Unity and has engaged in controversial alliances with the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni. In light of ActionSA's withdrawal, the DA's national leadership has sought a stability pact with the ANC across Gauteng metros. Moloto mentioned that they have made several attempts to convince the ANC to retract the motion of no confidence against Mayor Brink, but these efforts have faced resistance from Lesufi's faction, which aims to create divisions among coalition partners. The motion of no confidence, initiated in July, is now likely to succeed with support from the EFF and ActionSA, undermining any potential agreement between the DA and ANC to stabilize Tshwane.

Moloto expressed concern that this internal power struggle within the ANC could allow the Lesufi faction to regain control of Tshwane, reminiscent of their earlier dissolution of the city council during the Covid-19 lockdown, which resulted in a significant budget deficit. He pointed out that many of Tshwane's financial issues, including system breakdowns, can be traced back to the ANC's power grab in 2020. Should Mayor Brink be ousted, the DA intends to re-nominate him in future elections, although they are prepared to return to opposition if necessary. The DA is dedicated to safeguarding residents from potential abuses by the Lesufi/EFF faction, including attempts to reverse disciplinary actions against implicated officials.

"We will not abandon the people of Tshwane, even if circumstances temporarily force us out of government."