By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
He has assured South Africans that the formation of the second GNU is a “momentous development in South Africa’s democracy.”
“The country’s hopes are pinned on the success of the GNU. Our stated commitment to work together constructively and for South Africa’s benefit has generated a great deal of goodwill that we should not squander.
“Every effort must be made to ensure that the GNU remains true to its founding spirit of collaboration in good faith to drive a programme that improves the lives of all South Africa’s people,” Ramaphosa said.
Ramaphosa said South Africans made clear with their votes in last month’s elections that they want their elected representatives to put aside narrow interests and work together to build the country.
“To do so, the GNU cannot be preoccupied with jockeying for positions, tussles over appointments or squabbles within and between parties. The success of the GNU will be measured by the extent to which we are prepared to focus not on who will govern, but on how we will govern, together.”
On Sunday, the parties were locked in talks to break the deadlock between the ANC and DA over the government of national unity (GNU) Cabinet allocation.
The DA wants at least 10 of the 30 available positions, while the ANC is believed to have offered three.
DA leader John Steenhuisen said was willing to drop their demand to seven, provided the ANC also reduce their allocation.
Fullview understands the ANC was unwilling to concede, with the DA threatening to collapse coalitions in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.
Despite these emerging tensions over the allocation of Cabinet positions to parties in the GNU, the ANC remains upbeat about the prospects of the GNU, describing the agreement signed by ten political parties in recent days as “historic”.
Ten political parties represented in Parliament have now signed the statement of intent to form part of the Government of National Unity (GNU).
Ramaphosa said,the GNU Statement of Intent provides a “solid base for genuine cooperation between parties across the political spectrum who have signed up of their own accord.”
“The fact that there is broad consensus among the parties on the priorities of the incoming administration gives us encouragement that the GNU will indeed take the country forward. Emanating from the priorities outlined in the Statement of Intent, the parties will further refine the GNU’s programme, including through the proposed National Dialogue process.”
Ramaphosa said the parties in the GNU have agreed on priorities for the incoming administration.
“At the top of the list of priorities is the achievement of rapid, inclusive and sustainable economic growth to create jobs.”
Ramaphosa said the GNU remains committed to consensus-building and to the representation of a broad range of interests and viewpoints within government.
The 10 out of the 18 parties represented in the National Assembly that have agreed to form part of the GNU collectively hold 287 out of 400 seats, which accounts for 71.75% of the total.