The ANC announced on Monday that South Africa’s new government comprises five parties, including the Democratic Alliance (DA), Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), GOOD, and the Patriotic Alliance (PA). These parties collectively represent over two-thirds of the seats in the National Assembly, while discussions with other parties continue in the spirit of inclusivity, the ANC affirmed.
In an official statement, the ANC expressed its pride in the formation of a Government of National Unity (GNU) post-2024 elections. This historic coalition is underscored by a commitment to uphold the Constitution, promote non-racialism, and ensure social justice for all South Africans. The full text of the ANC’s statement is as follows:
“ANC WELCOMES PARTY SIGNATORIES TO THE 2024 GOVERNMENT OF NATIONAL UNITY (GNU)
“In the spirit of our nation’s enduring struggle for equality and progress, the African National Congress (ANC) proudly announces the formation of a Government of National Unity (GNU) following the 2024 elections. This collaborative effort is rooted in our shared commitment to uphold the Constitution, promote non-racialism, and ensure social justice and equity for all South Africans.
Five parties have officially signed the Statement of Intent to participate in the GNU:
- The ANC
- Democratic Alliance (DA)
- Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP)
- GOOD
- Patriotic Alliance (PA)
This collective represents 273 seats in the National Assembly (NA), or 68% of the seats in the NA. Discussions with other parties are ongoing in the spirit of inclusivity. The ANC once again takes this opportunity to invite political parties who resolved to define themselves outside this effort to reconsider and join the GNU.
The results of the 2024 elections, where the ANC secured 40% of the national vote and faced challenges in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, necessitated cooperation with other parties to advance our transformative agenda. The GNU emerged as the optimal approach to defend and advance our vision of a united, democratic, non-racial, non-sexist, and prosperous South Africa.
This collaborative initiative is founded on core principles, including upholding the Constitution and Rule of Law, promoting non-racialism and non-sexism, and ensuring social justice, redress, equity, and poverty alleviation. Our aim is to foster nation-building, social cohesion, and unity in diversity while maintaining peace, stability, and safe communities. Ensuring accountability, transparency, and community participation in governance is paramount.
The GNU’s priorities and minimum programme are fully aligned with the ANC’s longstanding commitments and policies. We are dedicated to achieving rapid, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, job creation, land reform, industrialisation, and infrastructure development. Our objective is to create a just society that addresses poverty, spatial inequalities, food security, and the high cost of living, while protecting workers’ rights and delivering quality basic services.
The GNU will ensure representation in government and legislatures by all participating parties, making decisions by consensus, with mechanisms for conflict resolution where necessary. The President will exercise the prerogative to appoint the Cabinet, in consultation with leaders of GNU parties, adhering to existing protocols on government decision-making and budgeting. All political parties represented in legislatures remain welcome to join the GNU even after its formation as its very ethos is a spirit of inclusivity.
It’s essential to dispel any misconceptions regarding the opposition’s ability to outmanoeuvre the ANC’s vision. Historically, our party has demonstrated superior reasoning and leadership, evident in our continued presence in eight out of nine provinces. The GNU, an ANC-led initiative, ensures that no single party, whether the DA, IFP, or others, can hold our national agenda hostage.
As we navigate through these complex times, the ANC reaffirms its commitment to inclusive governance and national dialogue. We invite all sectors of society to participate in forging a social compact aimed at tackling inequality, poverty, and unemployment. The modalities of the GNU ensure representation and decision-making by all participating parties, safeguarding consensus-building and conflict resolution mechanisms. In closing, the ANC is dedicated to a smooth and inclusive transition that honours the aspirations of every South African. Together, with unity and shared purpose, we will navigate challenges and build a stronger, more prosperous nation for all. Let us do more, together.”
The ANC’s statement highlights the formation of a GNU as a response to the 2024 election results, in which the ANC secured 40% of the national vote but encountered difficulties in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. This necessitated the need to collaborate with other political entities to maintain a transformative agenda aimed at a “united, democratic, non-racial, non-sexist, and prosperous South Africa.”
Ramaphosa Re-elected Amid Growing Tensions
Cyril Ramaphosa was re-elected as South Africa’s president by parliament on Friday, securing crucial support from the Democratic Alliance (DA), the largest opposition party. However, not everyone is on board. Julius Malema’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK), led by former President Jacob Zuma, have opted out of the new government. They have instead joined an alliance of smaller opposition parties in parliament known as the “Progressive Caucus,” which will serve as the official opposition to the unity government.
Zuma, addressing the media on Sunday, described the GNU as a “white-led unholy alliance between the DA and the ANC of Ramaphosa.” Emphasising no willingness to cooperate, Zuma announced MK’s filing of a court case to nullify the election results, advocating for a new vote. He encouraged his supporters to “submit or fight” back peacefully, highlighting deep divisions and potential instability within the country.
The ANC’s Unparalleled Leadership
The ANC underscores its capability to lead South Africa, having maintained control in eight out of nine provinces despite losing its outright majority for the first time since the end of apartheid. The existing coalition ensures that no single party can dominate the national agenda, aligning with the ANC’s vision of unbiased and inclusive governance.
Potential for Unrest
There are rising concerns that Zuma’s hardline stance could incite unrest among his followers, reminiscent of the deadly riots in July 2021. In response, police reinforcements have been sent to KwaZulu-Natal, Zuma’s home province, to prevent any potential violence.
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