A government of national unity is looking the most likely outcome following several stalled coalition negotiations by the ANC’s National Working Committee (NWC). The people of South Africa spoke at the polls on 29 May and the ruling party no longer has the majority share of support its 62-million people. Therefore, the party’s NWC has been engaging in several important coalition talks.
GOVERNMENT OF NATIONAL UNITY
With the clock ticking away furiously on the fate of South African government – everything must be in place by Tuesday 18 June 2024 (just five working days away) – NWC insiders say all roads are pointing towards a government of national unity. The Citizen reports that the ANC NWC will meet today (Thursday 6 June) to debate its options.
The party held a press conference yesterday (Wednesday 5 June) to report back on its various engagements with other parties. A spokesperson said the discussions enriched the ANC’s historic mission to build a united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, and prosperous South Africa. The ANC has held engagements with all parties, including the DA, EFF, IFP and MK.
NEC MEMBERS THREATEN TO RESIGN
Earlier in the week, reports claimed certain members of the ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) had threatened to resign if it went through with a proposed coalition with the DA. However, according to the spokesperson, as discussions progressed, it became clear that the people of South Africa were asking its political parties to work together again.
At this point in time, the ANC appears to be veering towards a government of national unity because this is what the people of South Africa have voted for. And the party is taking an active role in ensuring there is a government in place before the deadline set by the Chief Justice Raymond Zondo. Click HERE to see what the law demands from a non-majority coalition government.
WHY NOT A COALITION?
Sipho Seepe, an expert political analyst, says a government of national unity is the best option to bring as many players into the fold as possible. A coalition with the DA has been met with huge opposition within certain sectors of the party, as well as workers’ association COSATU. Meanwhile, a coalition with the MK, EFF and IFP seems to satisfy the party’s traditional constituency – “a unity of the oppressed”, as it’s been dubbed – but will see massive economic repercussions.
A government of national unity was last seen in South Africa between 1994-1996, after the country’s first democratic elections. The Nelson Mandela-led ANC formed a coalition government with the National Party (NP) and IFP to oversee the transition from apartheid. Key features of a government of national unity include:
- Parties sharing cabinet positions.
- Shared decision-making authority.
- Consensus building through negotiation and compromise.
- Cooperation that puts aside differences to achieve common goals.
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