In a review delivered by ActionSA Parliamentary leader Athol Trollip, the party said that many political parties within the Government of National Unity (GNU) have gone “silent” on ongoing issues such as the Phala Phala scandal, which ActionSA claims has been used to “preserve privileges” rather than to enforce accountability and transparency. According to ActionSA, this reflects a broader failure of ethical leadership at the highest levels of government.

“Two years ago, South Africans were promised a Government of National Unity that would put the country first. Instead, they got a Government of National Underperformance,” Trollip said in remarks summarised in the party’s review.

On economic performance, ActionSA said the GNU has not substantially lifted South Africa’s economic growth nor meaningfully reduced unemployment. The party noted that unemployment rates have remained extremely high and economic growth has been weak, with only modest increases in gross domestic product in recent years.

ActionSA also pointed to worsening job losses, arguing that circumstances for South Africans in terms of employment and living standards have remained largely unchanged under the GNU. “By the measure of jobs created, the GNU is failing,” the party wrote.

In its overall assessment, ActionSA gave the GNU failing marks across multiple categories, including ethical leadership and public service, economic growth, and law and order. The party said isolated improvements – such as some progress with electricity supply – are not enough to offset broad stagnation in key areas affecting millions of South Africans.

The critique comes amid broader political debate about the GNU’s focus and priorities, particularly as some opposition formations have joined with governing parties under a shared administration after the 2024 election. Critics say this coalition has diluted urgency on reform while failing to deliver substantial improvements in everyday life.