1994 2.0: ANC will form a government of national unity ‘to tackle pressing issues’ - Ramaphosa

ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa has announced the party’s decision to invite other political parties to form a government of national unity (GNU) following the ANC’s failure to secure more than 50% of the national vote in the 29 May general elections.

This announcement was made after a special National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on Thursday.

The concept of a GNU is not new to South Africa: the first democratic-era government featured a GNU, which included the National Party and Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP).

Ramaphosa said establishing a GNU was the most viable, effective and powerful way to meet the expectations of all South Africans at this critical juncture.

“The purpose of this government of national unity must be first and foremost to tackle the pressing issues that South Africans want to be addressed,” Ramaphosa stated.

“These issues include job creation and inclusive economic growth, the high cost of living, service delivery, crime and corruption.”

He said the NEC had agreed that the current moment demanded the broadest unity among South Africans.

“This moment also calls for multiparty cooperation and multi-stakeholder collaboration if we are to overcome the severe challenges that confront our country.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sK8kiQKd8Jg

 

The ANC has already initiated discussions with the Democratic Alliance (DA), Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), IFP, National Freedom Party (NFP) and Patriotic Alliance (PA).

After earlier statements from the uMkhonto Wesizwe (MK) party that it had had no formal communication with the ANC, it announced on Thursday that a meeting with the ANC would take place soon.

Read more in Daily Maverick: ANC in talks with political parties – but claims Zuma’s MK Party unresponsive

In April 2023, the ANC agreed on principles to guide the party’s approach to coalition collaborations. These principles aim to advance the creation of a united, democratic, nonracial, non-sexist and prosperous nation. Ramaphosa stressed that all coalition partners had to commit to shared values, nation-building and social cohesion.

“These values include respect for the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and the rule of law, social justice and equity, human dignity, nonracialism and non-sexism,” Ramaphosa said on Thursday.

He highlighted the importance of stability, accountability, transparency, integrity, community participation and good governance.

Read more in Daily Maverick: Ramaphosa kicks can down the road with ‘government of national unity’ play

As the ANC moves forward with its plans for a GNU, Ramaphosa said the focus would remain on addressing the key issues facing South Africans and fostering a collaborative, inclusive government.

“Agreements between parties should be in writing. They should be public, transparent and include measures for holding parties accountable. Our approach to how provincial governments are formed, where we do not have an outright majority, will be guided by these same principles.

“The ANC notes that we have ideological and political differences with several parties in our political landscape. However, we will not preclude the possibility of working with any party so long as it is in the public interest and it is keeping with the principles that I have articulated.”

He said the NEC had mandated the ANC’s negotiating task team to engage with parties on this proposal. It would also reach out to a broader range of parties to enrich the process and promote inclusiveness. 

Details of the proposed GNU are still unclear and will be flushed out in negotiations with other parties.

ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula said on Thursday, “The question is, if you put the principle out there, who is prepared to come with you to execute a GNU? And what is a GNU? What is its content? So, we go into negotiations.”