A majority perceive the ANC as dominating the GNU, suggesting that visible power sharing will be essential for coalition legitimacy. This is according to a Social Research Foundation (SRF) poll.

Fifty-three percent of voters believe the ANC calls the shots inside the Government of National Unity, compared with 32 percent who think power is shared equally. The remainder are unsure. This perception persists despite the presence of DA, IFP, and smaller parties in Cabinet.

Respondents cited the allocation of key portfolios such as finance and police, and the continuation of cadre deployment, as evidence of ANC dominance. Yet the survey also found that most people do not oppose coalition government per se; they simply want visible checks and balances.

Seventy-one percent said that clarity on which party controls which ministry would boost their confidence in the GNU. The takeaway for junior partners is to publicise policy wins, not just joint photo-ops. For the ANC the risk is reputational. If citizens conclude that the coalition is unity in name only, they may punish the party for failures that should have been shared.

Through the lens of coalition politics, the GNU’s legitimacy will depend on transparency and shared accountability. Perceptions of ANC dominance risk undermining confidence unless all parties can demonstrate their influence and responsibility.