Ramaphosa Holds Crucial Talks with Democratic Alliance amid Coalition Crisis South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa has engaged in urgent discussions with the Democratic Alliance (DA), the main opposition party in the country, after threatening to withdraw the African National Congress (ANC) from a coalition government over corruption allegations. The crisis stems from a report alleging widespread corruption within the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, where the DA-led coalition governs with the support of the ANC. Ramaphosa demanded that the DA take action against implicated officials, or face the ANC’s withdrawal from the coalition. In response, the DA has launched an independent investigation into the allegations. However, the party has resisted calls to remove its mayor, Athol Trollip, who has been accused of abusing his position. The talks between Ramaphosa and the DA have been described as “frank and constructive” by both sides. Ramaphosa has reiterated the ANC’s commitment to fighting corruption but has also expressed a desire to maintain stable government in Nelson Mandela Bay. The DA has acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations but has argued that due process must be followed and that Trollip is innocent until proven otherwise. The party has also expressed concerns that the ANC’s threat to leave the coalition is motivated by political opportunism. The outcome of the talks remains uncertain. If the DA fails to act decisively on the corruption allegations, the ANC could withdraw from the coalition, triggering a political crisis in Nelson Mandela Bay and potentially destabilizing the province of Eastern Cape. Alternatively, the two parties could reach a compromise that satisfies both sides, ensuring the continuation of the coalition government and allowing the investigation into corruption to proceed independently. The talks come at a time of heightened political tensions in South Africa, with the ANC facing growing pressure over its handling of the economy and allegations of corruption. The outcome of the Nelson Mandela Bay crisis could have significant implications for the country’s political landscape and the stability of its democratic institutions.Unlock Editor’s Digest for freeUnlock Editor’s Digest for free FT editor Roula Khalaf selects her favorite stories in this weekly newsletter. [Sign up](/register/in-article-sign-up?ft-content-uuid=0799c999-fea7-4bc9-bf05-ecdf7017da30)Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen met with President Cyril Ramaphosa to discuss the DA’s potential withdrawal from the coalition government. This meeting was prompted by Ramaphosa’s threat to remove the DA from the government if they did not support a proposed increase in the fuel levy. According to sources close to the meeting, Steenhuisen argued that the fuel levy increase would place an undue burden on ordinary South Africans and that the DA would not be able to support such a move. Ramaphosa, on the other hand, maintained that the increase was necessary to fund essential services. The meeting ended with no clear resolution, and it remains unclear whether the DA will remain in the coalition government. If the DA does withdraw, it would be a major blow to Ramaphosa, as it would leave him without a majority in parliament. The DA has been a key part of the coalition government since 2016, when it helped to unseat the African National Congress (ANC) in several key municipalities. However, the relationship between the two parties has been strained in recent months, with the DA accusing the ANC of corruption and mismanagement. The potential withdrawal of the DA from the coalition government would be a significant political development in South Africa. It would also be a major challenge for Ramaphosa, who has been struggling to maintain unity within his own party and to keep the coalition government together.