By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The African National Congress (ANC) secretary-general Fikile Mbalula says the event hosted by the party outside Luthuli House to mark 100 days after the formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU) is not a celebration, but rather a reflection.
Mbalula addressed the media on Monday ahead of the party’s 100 days reflection of the GNU.
He explained that South Africans are happy with the advancements made by the 7th administration, especially in crucial areas like energy and employment.
“Today marks 200 days without load shedding,” Mbalula stated, “and we are actively working to stabilise the unemployment rate”.
Mbalula also provided an overview of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s upcoming address.
“At 6pm on Monday, October 14, the President will address the nation from this venue, discussing the achievements and milestones of the first 100 days of the Government of National Unity.” he said.
Ramaphosa during the address, said the ANC should take the GNU as an opportunity to ask disgruntled supporters to forgive the party.
The 2024 elections was the first time since the advent of democracy that the ANC did not achieve an outright majority at a national level.
Ramaphosa said the establishment of the GNU was a historic occasion, bringing together into one administration parties from across the political spectrum.
He said all 11 political parties went into the GNU aware of their significant ideological and political differences, and fundamental issues on which they differed and acknowledged that there were bound to be tensions and strains.
“…but we also know, from many decades of experience, that the ANC has the strategic clarity and the political capacity to work alongside a wide range of forces in pursuit of progressive goals,” he said.
Ramaphosa pointed out that ultimately, the GNU should not be judged by the political orientation of the parties that constitute the administration, but by the impact that it has on the lives of poor and working class South Africans.
The ANC has faced criticism from its alliance partners, the SACP and Cosatu, over the inclusion in the GNU of the DA and Freedom Front Plus, instead suggesting the EFF and MK party were more natural allies.
Ramaphosa also set out key priorities for the GNU on Monday, including job creation, inclusive economic growth, tackling the high cost of living, service delivery, crime and corruption.