Rescuing South Africa: The DA's role in the Government of National Unity

South Africa has changed forever

On 29 May 2024, history was made.

For the first time in 30 years, the ANC lost its majority rule as millions of South Africans cast their votes and made their voices heard.

This monumental shift ignited hope across the nation, ushering in a new era for South African politics. The Democratic Alliance (DA), with its unwavering commitment to good governance, constitutional integrity, and zero tolerance for corruption, has emerged as the cornerstone of the Government of National Unity (GNU).

The mission to rescue South Africa has only just begun. The GNU has transformed Parliament into a vibrant arena for ideas. No single party holds a majority, but with the DA’s proven track record of getting things done, South Africa is starting to experience governance that prioritises job creation, economic growth, placing the people first and clean government.

Watch the Full Story

Discover the journey that led to this historic moment and the DA’s mission to rescue South Africa:

Why we entered the GNU

The DA joined the GNU to address South Africa’s pressing challenges and deliver effective solutions. Our commitment is to:

  • Restore stability and public trust in government.
  • Combat corruption and ensure transparency in public service.
  • Collaborate across parties to implement urgent reforms.

A party of national government, rescuing South Africa

Agriculture
Minister John Steenhuisen MP

  • Over 66,000 farmers received training
  • All 11 agricultural colleges now formally part of the higher education system
  • Over 3,000 agricultural graduates in internship programmes
  • 50 animal health technicians deployed for urgent vaccination rollouts
  • 900,000 vaccines against foot-and-mouth imported in record time
  • Biosecurity Council established to coordinate foot-and-mouth response
  • New school gardens, community hubs and home food production launched
  • National Biosecurity Compact concluded, to involve all roll-players to keep livestock safe
Basic Education
Minister Siviwe Gwarube MP

  • 97% of identified pit toilets eradicated – restoring dignity and safety to thousands of learners
  • New classrooms and other support secured for schools through partnerships
  • 10,000 ECD centres targeted for support in underserved communities
  • Over 9,000 bursaries to support future teachers, especially in early education
  • Launched a new School Safety Protocol with SAPS
  • Activated oversight and financial recovery strategies across provinces

Communications and Digital Technologies
Minister Solly Malatsi MP

  • R7.8bn invested to expand access & boost service delivery
  • 1.8m homes connected via SA Connect 
  • 8 Cyberlabs launched for coding & robotics in underserved schools
  • Reduced smart device tax for devices under R2 500 
  • Launched a new programme to distribute free smart devices for learners & township entrepreneurs
  • Over 136 government services are now online
  • SA is now #1 in Africa on the UN e-Government Index
  • Microsoft to invest R5.4bn in SA’s AI and cloud future

Environment, Forestry and Fisheries
Minister Dr Dion George MP

  • Signed global High Seas Treaty to protect oceans
  • Fast-tracked renewable energy approvals
  • Grew forestry & fishing sectors by over 15%
  • Protected biodiversity & boosted eco-tourism
  • Unlocked 2 300+ green jobs & improved marine research
  • Uplifted small-scale fishers with 36% more species allocated

Home Affairs
Minister Dr Leon Schreiber MP

  • 306 000+ VISA backlogs cleared
  • Record 3.6 million Smart IDs delivered
  • 215% boost in border security
  • 46 000+ deportations through Operation New Broom
  • Muslim marriages legally recognised
  • Corrupt officials jailed
  • Trusted Tour Operator Scheme launched
  • Prototype of SA’s first digital VISA system built

Public Works and Infrastructure
Minister Dean Macpherson MP

  • Launched the Construction Book listing over 250 pipeline projects worth R268 billion
  • Investigated ghost employees and launched 400 lifestyle audits
  • Built an in-house digital sign-off system to cut 5-month delays
  • Overhauled EPWP to link participants to real jobs and skills
  • Released public land for GBV shelters and community upliftment
  • Created a Strategic and Specialized Delivery unit to unlock public value from underutilized assets

Get to know our Ministers

DA Podcast | Ep 01 – John Steenhuisen
DA Podcast | Ep 02 – Siviwe Gwarube
DA Podcast | Ep 03 – Dean Macpherson
DA Podcast | Ep 04 – Solly Malatsi
DA Podcast | Ep 05 – Leon Schreiber
DA Podcast | Ep 06 - Dion George

DA National Executive in Action: