Manipulating numerical data for personal gain or deception: Insights and tactics
Revised Article:
Stepping into the Flames: DA's Participation in the GNU Under Question
The situation regarding the Democratic Alliance's (DA) involvement in the Government of National Unity (GNU) remains cloudy, with the African National Congress (ANC) grappling with internal disagreements. Some within the ANC have advocated for the DA's removal from the GNU due to their conflict over the budget proposed by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana[1][4]. Yet, the leadership has publicly rebuffed these demands, emphasizing the need for discipline and unity within the ANC[2].
A Dance with Devils and Fires
ANC chair Gwede Mantashe likened the debate surrounding the DA's participation in the GNU to a Dante-esque conundrum. In a passionate speech at Sunday's Freedom Day commemoration, he argued that the ANC was being questioned for conversing with the DA rather than with Jacob Zuma's MK Party and Julius Malema's EFF, splinter groups of the ANC[3]. "Why negotiate with friends? You negotiate with foes," Mantashe stated, expressing concerns about the DA's hostility and aggression[3].
The Budget Showdown
The impasse over the now-scrapped VAT hike has set the stage for an unprecedented third version of the national budget for the upcoming fiscal cycle[3]. The ANC and the DA met on two occasions last week - Friday and Monday - for informal "talks about talks," focusing on the budget process and the GNU[3].
Although the relationship between the DA and the ANC has been strained, the DA has stood firm in its belief that economic reform should be the primary concern of the GNU - reform that stimulates economic growth and promotes job creation. The "how" presents a contentious issue between the two parties, and heated discussions could unfold when formal budget talks commence after the recent meetings[3].
As the future of the DA's involvement in the GNU hangs in the balance, both sides grapple with the complexities of compromise and cooperation in uncertain times.
- The African National Congress (ANC) chair, Gwede Mantashe, compared the debate about the Democratic Alliance's (DA) participation in the Government of National Unity (GNU) to a Dante-esque conundrum.
- Mantashe expressed concerns about the DA's hostility and aggression, questioning why the ANC would negotiate with friends instead of with Jacob Zuma's MK Party and Julius Malema's EFF.
- The impasse over the scrapped VAT hike has set the stage for an unprecedented third version of the national budget for the upcoming fiscal cycle.
- Despite the strained relationship, the DA has maintained its commitment to economic reform, emphasizing the need for policies that stimulate economic growth and promote job creation.
- As the future of the DA's involvement in the GNU remains uncertain, both sides face the complex challenge of finding a balance between compromise and cooperation in the realm of politics, policy-and-legislation, and general-news.
