BNC#7: RW Johnson - A rational perspective on the GNU, its critics and its future

At the seventh BizNews Conference BNC#7 in Hermanus, renowned political scientist and prolific BizNews contributor RW Johnson delivered a thought-provoking keynote on South Africa’s Government of National Unity (GNU). He dissected the deep divide between ANC activists and the party’s broader voter base, revealing surprising polling data that shows public support for the GNU despite fierce criticism from within ANC ranks. Johnson also explored the fading influence of the Left, the EFF’s decline, and the critical role of business in shaping the ANC’s future leadership battle. Can the GNU sustain itself until 2029, or will internal ANC power struggles determine its fate?

In a lively Q&A session after his keynote speech, RW Johnson sat down with BizNews founder Alec Hogg to tackle topics ranging from political funding scandals to the ANC’s precarious financial situation and South Africa’s international entanglements. Johnson discussed the influence of foreign money on local politics, the ANC’s alleged funding ties to Iran, and the fading power of the SACP. He also dissected the challenges of breaking patronage politics, the role of intelligence agencies in exposing corruption, and the GNU’s uncertain future beyond 2027. Could economic performance determine its survival, or will ANC infighting bring it down first?