United front from governing GNU in the face of Progressive Caucus criticisms

The GNU put on a show of solidarity against the Progressive Caucus’s critiques of President Cyril Ramaphosa during Friday’s heated parliamentary debate. This just a day after Ramaphosa delivered his  Opening of Parliament address.

Playing the role of a protective elder sibling, the EFF stepped in to defend the MK Party whenever it felt the party was being unfairly treated by the Speaker. Meanwhile, the DA stood by the ANC, praising Ramaphosa’s speech and emphasising the importance of unity.

The MK party is yet to come to terms with the fact that it is not the governing party in KwaZulu-Natal, despite getting the most votes.

ANC Chief Whip Mdumiseni Ntuli was the first to take the podium, emphasising the importance of unity among South Africans. In his speech, he echoed the president’s call for collaboration and even quoted former ANC leaders to reinforce his message. “We truly have to act in unity and unite in action,” stated Ntuli. “The gains of our democracy and freedom must be defended, consolidated, and advanced to realise socio-economic rights as demanded by the Constitution of the republic.”

Ntuli reiterated Ramaphosa’s sentiments, highlighting the necessity for party representatives to work together. He pointed out that the recent election, which resulted in no party achieving an outright majority, demonstrated the public’s desire for cooperative governance. 

The debate showcased the GNU’s solidarity in the face of opposition, particularly from the Progressive Caucus, which has been vocal in its critique of the president and his administration. The show of unity by the GNU was aimed at reinforcing the coalition’s commitment to addressing South Africa’s challenges through collaborative efforts.

GNU is a ‘cruel joke’

uMkhonto Wesizwe (MK) party leader in Parliament, Dr John Hlophe, said the establishment of the GNU is a cruel joke by the Ramaphosa administration. The MK party is yet to come to terms with the fact that it is not the governing party in KwaZulu-Natal, despite getting the most votes.

“When the ANC could not secure a majority, it became desperate to hold on to power. If the ANC formed the so-called government of National Unity on the basis that it was the largest party, you ask yourself why was that principle not extended to the province of KZN?”

Read more: ‘Lies, lies, lies’ vs ‘his best speech’ — Ramaphosa’s Opening of Parliament Address draws mixed reactions

On Thursday night, MK party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhela hinted at plans to reclaim control of KZN, currently held by the GNU with the support of the National Freedom Party’s single seat. Hlophe claimed the MK party was excluded from the GNU because they refused to work with the Democratic Alliance. He also again accused the elections of being rigged, and vowed to pursue their court case to set aside the 2024 election results, despite attempts to withdraw it.

As the debate continued, GNU members reinforced the message of unity and cooperation, determined to advance South Africa’s socio-economic development.

DA leader and Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen showed support for Ramaphosa’s plans, but didn’t miss the chance to highlight his party’s role in the government.

EFF MP Dr Mbuyiseni Ndlozi in Parliament on Friday, 19 July 2024. (Screengrab: Youtube)

DA leader and Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen during the debate on Friday, 19 July 2024. (Screengrab: Youtube)

In response to a jab from EFF MP Dr Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, Steenhuisen quipped, “I think that the grannies and the pensioners and the stokvels who had their money stolen from that VBS don’t sleep any better knowing that the people who stole from them have doctorates and Master’s degrees.”

This, after Ndlozi asked that Steenhuisen be addressed by this educational title: “a matriculant”. 

Steenhuisen emphasised that the GNU was South Africa’s chance to break free from populism, division and economic decline. “This is our opportunity to build South Africa into the prosperous country it can be — together. That is exactly what the Democratic Alliance is going to do in the executive and in Parliament,” he asserted, highlighting the DA members’ efforts within the Cabinet.

Read more: MK party’s election challenge to be argued at Electoral Court despite withdrawal bid

EFF leader Julius Malema, however, dismissed Ramaphosa’s speech as a mere repetition of his February State of the Nation address. He questioned Ramaphosa’s rise within the ANC, insinuating possible assistance from members of the apartheid government. 

President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Opening of Parliament at City Hall, Cape Town, on 18 July 2024. (Photo: Phando Jikelo / Parliament of SA)

A ‘wounded buffalo’

“Mr President, you indeed spoke like a badly wounded buffalo yesterday,” Malema criticised. “You spoke like a soul that has given up, nothing inspirational came from that tired speech yesterday.”

Malema further argued that none of Ramaphosa’s commitments had been met, citing missed targets and ongoing unemployment issues. “The NDP target was to reduce unemployment by 14% in 2020, but today unemployment is 32.9%, and more than 12 million people are jobless,” he pointed out.

Ramaphosa also faced criticism for not addressing the issue of Palestine.

In contrast, IFP leader Velenkosini Hlabisa presented a mature response, reaffirming his party’s commitment to ensuring the success of the GNU, and improving the lives of South Africans. “The GNU is a step in the right direction,” he said. “We have repositioned South Africa to embark on a journey of rebuilding herself, and the future of our generation and the generations to come. The real work of changing the reality of every South African must proceed with utmost haste.”

Hlabisa welcomed Ramaphosa’s commitment to tackling local municipalities’ challenges, aligning this with his budget speech to focus on effective municipal governance. DM

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