By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has denied claims that the ruling party was developing a framework to govern coalitions because it was trying to cling to power after the 2024 elections.
The EFF and DA said the ANC was developing the framework on coalitions after it realised its support will go below 50% and wanted to remain in power.
But Mashatile said in the recent dialogue they held in Cape Town on coalitions they brought all political parties under one roof to design a common position on this issue.
He was speaking in Parliament on Thursday where he was answering oral questions in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on a range of issues related to government’s efforts to implement rapid response interventions in municipalities and plans to tackle crime.
Mashatile said the state has faced a number of challenges at the local government level where there are coalitions.
“By defining the rules, procedures, and potential sanctions that would apply to political parties and independent councillors who govern together, we will ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability in our political system,” said the Deputy President.
He said they were incorporating a framework which prioritises the people, service delivery, and good governance.
The Presidency convened a national dialogue in August, led by Mashatile, to discuss creating a framework to prevent the instability caused by coalition governments.
“The political parties at the summit … agreed that they want to go back to their constituencies to consult once more, and they are going to come back and give us feedback. And then we will be able to finalise the document.”
He announced that the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) is the only political party that has already responded so far.
“We are awaiting other parties to do the same and then we’ll finalise the document. So it’s a very comprehensive approach, because we’re not doing it ad hoc. We’re doing it for the future and to be able to ensure stable government throughout the country,” he explained, adding that legislation will follow.
Currently, South Africa has about 81 hung municipalities.
Mashatile has also told MPs that the Phala Phala matter has been concluded, and people should accept the findings of the various institutions.
This comes after the Reserve Bank, the South African Revenue Service, and the Public Protector all absolved President Cyril Ramaphosa from any wrongdoing following a theft of foreign currency at his farm in Bela Bela in February 2020.
Former spy boss Arthur Fraser said the president attempted to cover up the theft.
However, an independent parliamentary panel found that the president had a prima facie case to answer.
“Once you appoint institutions, they operate independently. I don’t think it is fair to say we don’t like your findings, let’s allow these institutions to do their work. They didn’t consult the ANC or the president,” said Mashatile.
“They did their work, let’s not use perception and use facts. They have concluded their work and let’s accept that.
“We must respect the institutions when they come with findings. We accept the findings of Public Protector, SARS and SARB. We accept all of them because they did this with integrity. They were transparent, and they investigated.”
The Hawks is the only agency remaining to conclude its findings on the Phala Phala matter.
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