By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The opposition parties held discussions on power sharing at a multiparty national convention on 16-17 August as they explore how to create a formidable coalition in the event that the ANC drops below 50% in the 2024 election polls.
The DA, IFP, Freedom Front Plus (FF+), ActionSA, United Independent Movement (UIM), Independent SA National Civic Organisation (Isanco) and the Spectrum National Party are attending the gathering, which is held at Emperors Palace and chaired by Professor William Gumede.
The seven political parties agreed on a name for their alliance, it will be called the Multi-Party Charter for South Africa.
The convention brought together like-minded opposition parties for a series of talks over the next two days.
The parties are set to discuss and formalise terms of agreements that will guide their coalition.
On 25 October 1991, Nelson Mandela, Chris Hani, Helen Suzman and other prominent freedom fighters met at this very building in Kempton Park for the start of the convention for a democratic South Africa.
The DA has on several occasions explained that it has no expectations to lead the pact, despite it being its brainchild. The party says it also does not believe that because it is the official opposition, it is obliged to be in charge and has instead pushed a stance of equal partnership.
Delivering his opening address on Wednesday, DA leader John Steenhuisen said the discussions are about the people of South Africa.
“The outcome of these negotiations must be judged based on whether they provide concrete solutions to improve the lives of the South African people. For that to be the case, this cannot and must not be a purely anti-ANC project. It must be a pro-South African project.
“Tomorrow evening when this process is complete, judge the politicians sitting here on whether the outcome promises tangible improvements to your life. Ask whether we are collectively providing solutions to issues like unemployment, load shedding, and crime.
“If the answer is yes – if these parties emerge with an agreement not only to defeat the ANC but to rescue South Africa – then I ask that you judge it as a success,” said Steenhuisen.
Prof William Gumede, who is chairing the discussions, encouraged party leaders to rise above egos and squabbles.
“It is going to be important that they rise above petty squabbles, rise above egos, and every decision they make has to be in the best interest of South Africa. It has to be for the future of all of us and for those still to be born.”
IFP President Velenkosini Hlabisa echoed these sentiments, saying the gathering concerns South Africa and its people.
“This is not an anti-ruling party club. Our reason for convening here is much more important, we do not hate the ANC, but we hate what it has done to our people.
“After years of struggling, in 1994, the people of South Africa stood in long queues to cast their votes. I was one of them. We were full of hope that our country is entering a new phase of freedom and prosperity. Unfortunately, all our hopes are now lost,” said Hlabisa.
ActionSA President, Herman Mashaba said the lived realities of South Africans brought his party to the convention.
“ANC will lose its majority, and all South Africans know this, but they have never seen opposition parties putting aside differences to give them hope. We must define this agreement with a positive vision for South Africa, not against other political parties.”
At the same time, Freedom Front Plus leader Pieter Groenewald asked the parties to set an example by paving a way forward to help to save South Africa.
“I don’t think there is anyone in South Africa who will not agree that we are not at a good point in the history of our country. There must be change,” said Groenewald.
The Institute of Race Relations (IRR) is expected to make its own representations at the convention.
“A thriving South Africa is within reach. Simple, practical reforms can spark significant growth, inviting investment, reviving the economy and restoring jobs and dignity for countless citizens. Adopting a non-racial, pro-growth policy plan like that of the IRR is the right thing to do,” said the organisation’s head of strategic communications, Hermann Pretorius.
Watch Live in the video below:
Video Courtesy of DA.