Cape Town – Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya has affirmed that efforts are underway to ensure the Government of National Unity (GNU) lasts for its full five-year term, despite expected disagreements among coalition parties.
A committee led by Deputy President Paul Mashatile was set to meet on Wednesday to establish the dispute resolution process, including guidelines for the clearing house mechanism and the frequency of meetings.
The GNU, comprising ANC, DA, PA, Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), Good Party, PAC, Freedom Front Plus (FF+), United Democratic Movement (UDM), Al Jama-ah, and Rise Mzansi, operates under a shared Minimum Programme of Action.
The coalition’s priorities include driving inclusive growth, reducing poverty and the cost of living, and building a capable, ethical, and developmental state.
However, given the broad spectrum of ideologies, it’s expected that disagreements will arise on certain policies and their implementation.
[FULL STATEMENT] Media briefing by Presidential @SpokespersonRSA, Vincent Magwenya, during his update to the public on President@CyrilRamaphosa’s programme and topical issues of interest. https://t.co/ogPkn22eBg pic.twitter.com/vq8raVq5hL
— The Presidency 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) October 16, 2024
Magwenya expressed confidence in the commitment of all GNU members to remain within the coalition, highlighting the creation of a mechanism to address disputes as a key to sustaining the partnership.
“We are confident that all members of the GNU are now well settled in their respective roles in government. There’s been evidence to that effect and we are equally confident that notwithstanding disagreements that are yet to emerge, no member of the GNU is going to leave the GNU. That we can say quite confidently, and even more so now that you have a mechanism that will be engaged on issues of dispute,” EWN quoted Magwena as saying.
Mashatile also expressed optimism ahead of the session, saying: “I am certain that with the first meeting of the Clearing House, parties will find each other and that our collective commitment to serve all the people of South Africa will lead to greater accountability and will foster trust between the electorate and the political parties that form part of the GNU.”
The creation of these mechanisms is intended to ensure the smooth functioning of the GNU, allowing the coalition to fulfill its commitments to the South African people while maintaining the integrity of diverse political voices within the government, the presidency said.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
