ANC Deputy President Issues Fiery Ultimatum to DA’s Macpherson: Follow the Rules or Step Aside

Pretoria – In a bold move that has set the stage for a political clash, African National Congress (ANC) Deputy President Paul Mashatile issued a fiery ultimatum to the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) Dean Macpherson, urging him to either comply with government policies or step down from his post. This tense exchange stems from Macpherson’s vocal opposition to the land expropriation bill, a pivotal piece of legislation championed by the ANC to address the pressing issue of land reform in South Africa.

Speaking at a public engagement on Friday, Mashatile didn’t mince words as he took aim at Macpherson’s recent statements. “If you are unwilling to carry out the responsibilities of your office and uphold the policies of the government, then you should resign,” Mashatile said, his voice brimming with intensity. “As a public official, your duty is to serve the people and advance the laws of the land, not to undermine them with divisive rhetoric.”

The clash centers on the highly contentious land expropriation bill, which seeks to amend the Constitution to enable the expropriation of land without compensation under certain conditions. The ANC believes the bill is a critical step toward rectifying historical injustices and fostering a more equitable distribution of land across South Africa. However, the DA has consistently opposed the measure, arguing that it poses serious risks to the economy and property rights.

Macpherson, who serves as the DA’s shadow minister for trade, has been one of the bill’s most vocal critics. Recently, he described the land expropriation bill as “a disaster waiting to happen,” warning that it would lead to economic instability and threaten property ownership in the country. His remarks have ignited a firestorm, drawing sharp responses from ANC leaders, including Mashatile, who accused Macpherson of fearmongering and resisting necessary transformative change.

At Friday’s event, Mashatile reiterated the ANC’s commitment to addressing the legacy of inequality and historical imbalances in South Africa. “This bill is not about destroying the economy or taking away livelihoods; it is about justice and ensuring that all South Africans have a stake in our country’s wealth,” he emphasized.

The land expropriation bill, first introduced in 2018, has been a point of major contention in South African politics. While the ANC views the bill as an essential tool to advance social justice, the DA and other opposition parties argue that it could deter much-needed investment and cause harm to the economy in the long term.

Mashatile’s comments are a direct response to what he sees as Macpherson’s deliberate attempt to block critical government initiatives. By calling for Macpherson’s resignation, Mashatile is not only challenging the DA’s stance on the land issue, but also sending a stern message about the importance of government unity and the implementation of policies that have been passed by Parliament.

As the battle over land expropriation rages on, the stakes are high, with South Africa’s 2024 elections looming on the horizon. The ideological divide between the ANC and DA over this issue is likely to remain a focal point of political discourse in the months ahead.

While Mashatile is firm in his stance, Macpherson has shown no signs of backing down. The DA’s opposition to the land expropriation bill is part of its broader criticism of ANC policies, which it argues have led to economic stagnation and social division. With both parties digging in their heels, this political standoff is sure to escalate, keeping the nation on edge as the debate continues to unfold.

In the coming weeks, all eyes will be on the next chapter of this heated political battle, as the future of land reform – and the broader direction of South Africa – hangs in the balance.