Cape Town — The Progressive Caucus says it is planning to recruit more parties to join the official opposition against the Government of National Unity (GNU).
The Progressive Caucus currently comprises of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), and the African Transformation Movement (ATM) Party and the United African Transformation (UAT).
It is set to receive a boost after the MK Party’s 58 members were sworn-in as Members of Parliament (MP).
With the MK leading the Progressve Caucus, there is now a clear division between the two factions. With 10 parties in the GNU and four in the Progressive Caucus, there are still four parties that are not part of either grouping, EWN reported..
ATM leader, Vuyo Zungula, said it was in the interests of democracy that there was a strong opposition to the GNU in Parliament.
“As the ANC proudly boasts that their coalition comprises of 70% of seats in Parliament, which will require that opposition parties in Parliament find a way to collaborate in order to stop any abuse of power and mischief from the ANC.” he said.
[ON AIR] ATM President Vuyo Zungula affirms strength of the progressive caucus despite departures.@ThabisoTema is in conversation with Vuyo Zungula, ATM President.#POWERBreakfast pic.twitter.com/CFEnunlPNX
— POWER 98.7 (@Powerfm987) June 25, 2024
As reported by IOL, Zungula said the ATM will not leave the Progressive Caucus to join the GNU, after Al Jama-ah and the United Democratic Movement (UDM) joined the GNU.
Zungula said said joining the DA and ANC would be endorsing corruption and secret deals.
“No, the ATM will not join GNU. We do not have a problem with other parties who have joined GNU as these parties have made their choice on what is best for them. Our view is that they are welcome to do that as we all have different influences and choices,” he said.
Zungula said strong opposition is needed to ensure the ANC, DA and the FF+ are held accountable for recent reports about their Statement of Intent.
“We can’t have such a programme of action if we are part of GNU… Some of those behind the scenes and backhanded deals on Orania and what we heard from Helen Zille and the deal not to impeach Cyril Ramaphosa. What they are doing is endorsing these backhanded deals which do not take this country forwards,” he said.
ATM President Vuyo Zungula says the party will not join the government of national unity. Zungula says the role of the Progressive Caucus, which the ATM is part of, is to hold the government accountable. “If each and every party joins that coalition, then it means it weakens our… pic.twitter.com/wAe78BQKC3
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) June 24, 2024
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
