Progressive Caucus (South Africa)

The Progressive Caucus is a political alliance in South Africa, formed in opposition to the Government of National Unity (GNU). The term 'progressive' is used by the caucus to describe itself, though this designation does not necessarily reflect endorsement of traditionally progressive policies.

At its height it comprised seven parties: the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Al Jama-ah, United Democratic Movement (UDM), United Africans Transformation (UAT), African Transformation Movement (ATM), the Pan Africanist Congress of Azania (PAC), and the uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party. However, within a matter of days the PAC, UDM, and Al Jama-ah parties would leave Progressive Caucus and join the GNU on 19, 21 and 23 June, 2024 respectively. The Progressive Caucus collectively holds approximately 30% of the seats in the National Assembly.

The MK party, led by former president Jacob Zuma, joined the Progressive Caucus on 17 June after securing 14.6% of the vote and 58 seats in the National Assembly in the 2024 elections. MK's surprising performance solidified its position as the third-largest party in parliament.

Despite initially boycotting the first sitting of the National Assembly over allegations of vote-rigging—which the court dismissed as without merit—MK decided to align with the Progressive Caucus to strengthen the opposition against the GNU. However, the inclusion of the MK does not gain the Progressive Caucus enough seats in the National Assembly to block any law or constitutional amendment due to the GNU's supermajority.

The caucus was formed following the 29 May 2024 elections where the ANC lost its majority for the first time in 30 years. The ANC, which won 40% of the vote, entered a coalition with the DA and other smaller parties to form a GNU. In contrast, the Progressive Caucus aims to provide a fiscally left-leaning alternative to this coalition. The Progressive Caucus is not as unified on social policies with some members advocating right-wing positions such as the reintroduction of the death penalty and the repeal of same-sex marriage laws.

Objectives
The Progressive Caucus seeks to advance radical economic transformation and the policy of land appropriation without compensation, not necessarily generally understood as forming part of traditional progressive policies. They view the presence of the DA in the GNU as being opposed to these principles, describing it as an alliance rooted in colonialism and apartheid.

Recent developments
In June 2024, the Progressive Caucus offered the ANC an opportunity to form a government without the DA and the Freedom Front Plus (FF+), proposing a more progressive coalition. This offer fell through as the ANC proceeded to form a Government of National Unity together with various parties, including the DA and Freedom Front Plus. The UAT rejoined the Progressive Caucus after leaving the government due to frustration over not receiving any ministries.

Challenges
The Progressive Caucus has faced exclusion from significant GNU discussions, leading to calls for a more inclusive and meaningful engagement process with the ANC. The EFF, a leading member of the caucus, has been particularly vocal about this exclusion, emphasising the need for a collaborative approach that respects the contributions of all parties involved. The EFF has refused the possibility that it will join the GNU if the DA or FF+ are included.