Ramaphosa announces national dialogue to strengthen GNU

Cape Town – President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday announced plans for a national dialogue to consolidate the new Government of National Unity (GNU), formed with opposition partners due to the ANC’s need for a governing coalition for the first time in 30 years.

Ramaphosa said this while addressing the nation at his inauguration,

According to EWN, despite a previous unsuccessful coalition dialogue led by his deputy, Paul Mashatile, Ramaphosa emphasised unity and collaboration to advance the country’s interests.

He vowed to hold those responsible for state capture accountable and to build an honest and capable government.

“Nothing will detract us from serving the people and advancing their interests. Now is the time to move forward. Together we will and we can do more and better, as South Africans,” the report quoted Ramaphosa as saying. 

While there is no constitutional deadline, negotiations are underway to finalise a Cabinet acceptable to all coalition partners.

Meanwhile, DA leader John Steenhuisen has said that his party aims to make a meaningful contribution to the seventh administration by focusing on areas outlined in their manifesto, such as addressing unemployment, economic growth, and reducing national debt.

“I think it is far too premature to speak about those things. Once the president has been inaugurated today, we will start the discussions around the composition of the Cabinet and how that would look like.

DA leader John Steenhuisen says for the party, it is not about positions but being in areas where they can serve the people of South Africa. Steenhuisen says the party would like to focus on key areas such as infrastructure, the economy, and lifting people out of poverty. “We… pic.twitter.com/xL9ZdNhuLD

— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) June 19, 2024

“First, it is not really about positions but it is about being in areas where we can serve and deliver on our manifesto. We said in our manifesto how we would rescue South Africa. These are key things that have to be done, to get off this high unemployment, low growth, high debt trajectory onto one of hope, prosperity, opportunity, inclusiveness for more South Africans,” Steenhuisen said during an interview with Newzroom Afrika.