Cape Town — The leader of the uMkhonto weSizwe caucus, John Hlophe, has criticised President Cyril Ramaphosa, saying his opening speech in Parliament ‘failed on all fronts’.
Hlophe did not mince his words as he criticised the Government of National Unity (GNU) as a “very cruel joke” by the Ramaphosa faction of the African National Congress (ANC) and the Democratic Alliance (DA).
“Our people are painfully aware that it would be impossible to create a united nation in South Africa, unless the legacy of colonialism and Apartheid is addressed.”
He used the words of Thabo Mbeki from 1998, and said South Africans have been governed by two nations – the poor black community and the rich white community – and since then, nothing has changed.
[WATCH] MK Party caucus leader Dr John Hlophe labels the seventh administration “a cruel joke by a faction of the ANC”. He adds that it is impossible to have a Government of National Unity in a divided and unequal society.#Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/4zbxZd5qPG
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) July 19, 2024
According to TimesLIVE, Hlophe said Ramaohosa needs to address key issues such as building infrastructure in rural areas, and the need for an agrarian revolution in South Africa.
“We are not apologetic about our stand. We remain firm. Section 25 of the constitution must be amended to make provision for the expropriation of land without compensation. That is the only way we can redress imbalances of the past and ensure every South African has access to land.
Hlophe said he believes when there is access to land, many problems will be dealt with, including the movement of people from rural areas to urban areas in search of greener pastures. He said access to land will ensure everybody has bread on the table.
He also called for a reduction in the cabinet, a reduction on spending and the reintrduction of military training to teach discipline to young men and women who do not have jobs.
[WATCH] MK Party caucus leader Dr John Hlophe says they were denied an opportunity to be in the Government of National Unity because they did not agree with the ANC and DA on many fronts. #Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/yHCh5S7G7c
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) July 19, 2024
Hlophe was also outspoken of the political parties who switched allegiances to join the ANC, after years of campaigning against them, but he praised Patriotic Alliance leader, Gayton McKenzie, for keeping a consistent stance, The Citizen reported.
“There are parties here which campaigned against the ANC, but when the opportunity to be on the gravy train came, they went for it,” he said.
“So many parties openly campaigned against the ANC, but when offered blue lights, they suddenly fell in love with the ANC,” he added.
The PA leader initially wanted the police or home affairs ministries, only to end up with arts and culture. Following his appointment, he said he was satisfied with the ministry and would make a difference in the lives of artists and athletes.
“I respect Gayton McKenzie, his views were always clear. He said he will work with any party, and he has been consistent in that regard,” Hlophe said.
Hlophe believes that the GNU should not have been established and he believes said the president only formed the GNU because he was desperate to hold on to power.
“If the ANC formed the so-called GNU on the basis that it was the largest party, you ask yourself, why was that principle not extended to the province of KZN? It’s a fact that MK party won KZN convincingly,” said Hlophe.
“A GNU is formed when there is a crisis. The only crisis is that the ANC has lost the majority.”
Judge President/ Dr John Hlophe Speak.. pic.twitter.com/i6adiev1Lq
— Vote MK Party (@MxolisiThango) July 19, 2024
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
