Cape Town — Democratic Alliance (DA) leader, John Steenhisen, on Wednesday addressed a number of questions from the media over the impending Government of National Unity (GNU) and his involvement in it.
Steenhuisen, who has been outspoken about the African National Congress (ANC) and Cyril Ramaphosa’s failures to govern South Africa and fix key issues plaguing the country, surprised many when his party decided to align itself with the ANC, after it failed to win an outright majority for the first time since 1994.
He addressed his role within the GNU and detailed how the DA would work with the ANC. He also spoke about what he would do if he were elected as a Minister, IOL reported on X.
“We would like to play a meaningful role in government. We outlined in our political manifesto that there were a number of key areas that we felt were essential that South Africa had to resolve over the five years,” Steenhuisen said.
He said the DA can align its values with that of the ANC and pinpointed “Operation Vulindlela” as one such example that the party agrees with. Steenhuisen also outlined what his first steps would be, should he be elected minister.
“It’s very important that we weld the policies together and we do have a coherent plan for government over the next five years and we start getting working on. There’s 30 million people in poverty, there’s 42% of people unemployed, we’ve got to do something about it and we’ve got to do it now,” he said.
DA leader John Steenhuisen speaks to the media at the Inauguration of President Ramaphosa at the Union Buildings. He explains how they will work with the ANC to advance the country’s future.
Read more here: https://t.co/Uc0R5mTrW9#inaguration2024
Video: Kamogelo Moichela/IOL pic.twitter.com/3X78oLN0cD— IOL News (@IOL) June 19, 2024
Speaking to Newzroom Afrika, Steenhuisen revealed the Phala Phala saga was not discussed during negotiations with the ANC but he said the law must still follow its course.
“We believe that the law must follow its course. If there’s anyone involved in criminal activities or suspicious activities, they must be investigated by the relevant authorities and there must be consequences for that. It doesn’t matter if it’s me, or somebody in the ANC, IFP or any of the parties who are signatories to the GNU. Just because we are in the GNU, doesn’t mean accountability must come to an end,” he said.
He said there is a court process underway in the Phala Phala matter and when it reaches its end point, Parliament will be in a better position to make a decision going forward.
DA leader John Steenhuisen says the Phala Phala matter was not discussed in negotiations with the ANC. Steenhuisen says the law must follow its course. “Just because we are in the GNU, doesn’t mean accountability comes to an end.”
Watch: https://t.co/QfKnVrSj6Z#Newzroom405… pic.twitter.com/8LYL059bZU
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) June 19, 2024
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
