By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The African National Congress (ANC) says it is open to forming a coalition with any party that shared the same interest in addressing “the legacy of apartheid.”
Addressing the media on Tuesday, following the conclusion of the governing party’s national executive committee (NEC) four-day meeting, ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula said the party believes that any coalition partner must commit to a common goal that focused on delivering services to South Africans.
The briefing came just hours after the resignation of ANC-backed mayor Thapelo Amad, a member of the minority party Al Jama-ah, prompting a need to elect another new mayor next week.
As convenor Mbalula is tasked with ensuring the oversight and implementation of the framework across all party structures, he is assisted by; Nomvula Mokonyane, Maropene Ramokgopa, David Makhura, Mdumiseni Ntuli, Barbra Creecy, Zuko Godlimpi, Thembu Nkadimeng, Parks Tau, and Pemmy Majodina.
Among the principles adopted by the NEC is the allocation of executive positions in proportion to the votes obtained by coalition partners.
“The party that has won the largest votes should lead the coalition in that municipality and executive positions should be allocated in proportion to the votes obtained by coalition partners. Coalition governments should reflect the will of the people, not just elite dealmaking among parties.”
Mbalula said they agreed that the law should be amended to protect public administration and to make sure motions of no confidence are not abused.
“Where no party has a clear majority (50% plus one), the collective executive system should be instituted so that parties are presented in proportion to their votes and that they take collective responsibility to ensure a stable and functional government,” Mbalula explained.
He said coalitions should promote transparency and accountability in the communities they govern by giving quarterly reports and giving updates on service delivery progress and milestones.
SA to exit ICC
The African National Congress (ANC) says it has resolved that South Africa should leave the International Criminal Court (ICC).
At its December conference, the ANC resolved to rescind its decision to withdraw from the court citing ‘substantive’ of the ICC and a slow uptake by other African countries towards the ratification of Malabo protocol which has delayed the establishment of the African Court of Justice and Human Rights.
“We know what we stand for, and if they punish us because of [being] non-partisan on the Russia and Ukraine conflict, we stand for that. We took a stand. We are now engaging with the United States in relation to Russia,” Mbalula said.
Meanwhile, speaking at the state visit of Finnish President Sauli Niinistö on Tuesday, President Cyril Ramaphosa said he supported the decision taken by ANC but hoped that a discussion could be held about the unfair treatment the country has experienced at the hands of the ICC.
“Yes, the governing party, the African National Congress, has taken the decision that it is prudent that South Africa should pull out of the ICC largely because of the manner in which the ICC has been seen to be dealing with these types of problems, and there’s also been commentary, I believe, from Amnesty International on what … what many people believe is unfair treatment and our view is that we would like this matter of unfair treatment to be properly discussed.”
He said that any decision on what action South Africa would take should Putin visit the country would be communicated in due course.
“Having heard what the ICC has said in relation to President Putin, that matter is under consideration and discussion. I have often said when I am asked this question, that when the matter is finalised, we will be able to tell everyone what our posture is going to be on all this.”
Envoy sent to the US
The ANC secretary-general further indicated that South Africa was engaging the US in relation to Russia.
“They had a big problem with us about Russians coming here doing [military] drills with our army. We do those drills with everybody. We have got an envoy that engaging with them through our government.
“Here at Luthuli House, we will talk to the American Embassy… We are engaging with them. We will talk to Ukraine [and] we will to talk to Russia.
“Russia will talk to them also as our ally [but] it doesn’t mean you agree with your ally on everything. We will tell the Americans that we don’t like this thing of imposing yourself as a white policeman, “Mbalula added.