By Phenyo Selinda
Johannesburg – President Cyril Ramaphosa will host a significant engagement over dinner with the leaders of political parties that form the Government of National Unity (GNU) on Wednesday evening, as confirmed by Presidential Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya. The meeting will offer an opportunity for reflection on the progress and functioning of the GNU, while also addressing any challenges or disputes that have emerged since its formation.
This dinner comes at a crucial time as the President prepares to sign the controversial Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill into law, a move aimed at enhancing governance in the education sector. The Bill has garnered significant attention and debate, with some factions expressing concern over its potential implications. Addressing these concerns, Magwenya reiterated the President’s constitutional obligations under Section 79(1), which compels him to either sign or refer the Bill back to the National Assembly if there are constitutional reservations.
Magwenya emphasized that while disputes within the GNU are anticipated, the President expects all parties to show maturity and commitment to the country’s stability. “The President is not entirely surprised that there’s a dispute. However, he anticipates that there will be many other disputes in the course of the term,” Magwenya explained, underscoring that the evening’s gathering is designed to resolve such issues amicably .
One of the focal points of the meeting will be the creation of a formal dispute resolution mechanism, which aims to ensure that disagreements do not threaten the stability or sustainability of the GNU. In previous instances, there have been public threats to the unity of the government, which Magwenya described as deeply concerning. These threats, he pointed out, affect not just the political structure but also the broader stability of the country .
A notable topic of collaboration within the GNU has been highlighted by the recent partnership between Ministers John Steenhuisen and Ronald Lamola. This collaboration, particularly in securing a new trade agreement with China regarding South African beef exports, has been hailed as a model for cross-party cooperation. The President hopes that this type of collaboration will serve as a blueprint for resolving future disputes within the GNU, Magwenya noted .
This dinner comes against the backdrop of increasing political pressure as Ramaphosa prepares to sign the BELA Bill into law, a move that has sparked debate both within political circles and among the public. The Bill aims to address governance issues in South Africa’s education sector and is seen as a step towards strengthening the overall framework for basic education. However, some political leaders and opposition figures have voiced concerns about specific provisions of the Bill, making tonight’s dinner a timely platform for addressing these concerns.
Magwenya assured the public that the President remains confident in the GNU’s ability to function effectively, and the dinner serves as a constructive forum for leaders to provide their feedback and express any concerns directly to the President. Importantly, Magwenya highlighted that the GNU was established for the benefit of all South Africans, not just individual political leaders, and urged all parties to work towards maintaining its stability.
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