By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
United Democratic Movement (UDM) President, Bantu Holomisa, says they have requested the Chief Justice Raymond Zondo to call a meeting with all political parties represented in parliament to help establish a Government of National Unity (GNU).
Holomisa, was speaking on behalf of several smaller parties in Parliament, asking for a speedy meeting to navigate the process.
The small grouping include Bosa, ACDP, PAC and UAT, saying that political parties should convene a meeting that will address the challenges of the envisaged government and give fulfilment to the constitutional inheritance as enshrined in the founding pillars of the constitution and by extension, the Constitutional Court.
The African National Congress (ANC) has invited other political parties to form one government following the 2024 national and provincial elections.
In a letter addressed to Zondo, Holomisa noted that “given the new terrain” where no one party has an outright mandate to form a government, it is imperative that a critical meeting be convened.
“…this meeting must serve as a platform for fostering a transparent collaborative agenda for South Africa. With the landscape of governance evolving, characterised by shifting alliances and the absence of a clear majority, it is essential to establish a framework for inclusive decision-making,” he said.
He explained that given the importance of this matter, the UDM believes it is imperative that all leaders of political parties represented in Parliament discuss the agenda of government, particularly as it pertains to the envisaged seventh administration.
Holomisa noted that based on the outcomes of the election, the process cannot be left to only one party to lead and convene, and said there has to be a collection of many stakeholders in collaboration.
He said in light of the gravity of the situation and the need for “urgent and inclusive” dialogue, parties respectfully request Zondo’s facilitation in convening a meeting between all leaders of political parties represented in Parliament.
“…we believe that your esteemed office, as the custodian of the Constitution and the guardian of our democracy, is best placed to oversee such a crucial gathering,” Holomisa wrote to Zondo.
Holomisa highlighted that the purpose of the meeting will be to engage in constructive dialogue and deliberation on the proposed government of national unity and the agenda of government for the next five years.
Meanwhile, parties such as the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and Umkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) have completely rejected the proposal of a GNU.
EFF indicated that it preferred a coalition arrangement with liked-minded parties instead.
According to EFF Deputy president Floyd Shivambu, a GNU had problems in 1994 when the ANC shared power with the National Party (NP).
“We do not want to have a government that is composited by Oppenheimer stages,” he said.
The EFF leader also ruled out forming a government with the DA and Freedom Front Plus (FF+).
Other political parties such as the Democratic Alliance (DA) and Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) were expected to report back to the ANC in the coming week about the GNU proposal.