Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has vowed to hold accountable the newly-formed Government of National Unity (GNU).
South Africa ushered in a new era after the country’s liberation movement ANC formed a GNU with its biggest rival, the DA, alongside the IFP.
JULIUS MALEMA CRITICISES GOVERNMENT OF NATIONAL UNITY
The National Assembly sat for the first time on Friday, June 14, following the National and Provincial Elections.
As previously reported, since 1994, the ANC has obtained over 50% of the total votes, making it easier for the party to field and vote for the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and President.
During the first sitting the ANC’s Thoko Didiza was elected Speaker while the DA’s Dr Annelie Lotriet was elected Deputy Speaker.
ANC leader Cyril Ramaphosa was up against Malema for the position of President. A total of 289 Members of Parliament voted for Ramaphosa, while 44 voted for Malema.
Following the announcement, Malema said they contested because they wanted to demonstrate to South Africa that the EFF does not agree to this marriage of convenience to “consolidate the white monopoly power over the economy and the means of production”.
“We refuse to sell out. We never did so when we were young, and we’re not going to do so today.
Malema said they don’t have a history of being collaborators.
“We are going to ensure that this Parliament is functional. We can reassure you that we’re not going to fight any bouncer. Instead, we’re going to be the best and most effective opposition to ensure that both you (Ramaphosa) and the DA are held accountable.”
DA CONFIRMS IT WILL SUPPORT THE ANC
As previously reported, Ramaphosa’s re-election as president comes on the back of a coalition announcement between the ANC and Democratic Alliance.
DA leader John Steenhuisen made the announcement on Friday afternoon at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), where MPs were being sworn in, and a speaker and deputy speaker were chosen for the seventh Parliament.
“The DA has reached agreement on the statement of intent for the formation of a government of national unity,” he said, adding that the DA and the Zulu nationalist IFP would back the coalition, which they are calling a government of national unity. We will be supporting President Cyril Ramaphosa in his election for the president of the republic of South Africa,” Steenhuisen said.
