President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized that the Government of National Unity (GNU) shouldn’t prioritize position jockeying or party squabbles. In his weekly letter, he underlined the importance of cooperation among political parties for the GNU’s success, calling it a significant development in South Africa’s democracy.
Ramaphosa stressed the need to uphold the GNU’s collaborative spirit for the betterment of all South Africans, following reported disagreements among the signatories. This isn’t South Africa’s first experience with a GNU. Ramaphosa clarified that the first GNU was established in 1994 to promote national unity and inclusivity during a period of political transition.
“Among its main tasks was to ensure the passage of a new democratic Constitution. Giving effect to the principles of that Constitution and the Bill of Right must be the overriding focus of this GNU.”
He said we could achieve this by creating a joint plan to end poverty, promote equality, create jobs, and ensure the government serves the people.
“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 Statement of Intent commits the signatories to a set of foundational principles that include respect for constitutionalism; accountability, transparency and community participation in government; evidence-based policy and decision-making; professionalisation of the public service; integrity and good governance.”
“At the top of the list of priorities is the achievement of rapid, inclusive and sustainable economic growth to create jobs.
“It will be critical that the GNU stays the course on the structural reform that is under way to improve the business operating environment and establish South Africa as an investment destination of choice,”
The president announced that the GNU signatories have agreed on the incoming administration’s priorities. Ramaphosa emphasized the necessity of reforms to address historic challenges and create jobs. He mentioned that the parties will continue refining the GNU’s program, including through the proposed National Dialogue process.
“We remain committed to consensus-building and to the representation of a broad range of interests and viewpoints within government.“
At the same time, we are all keenly aware that South Africans expect action, implementation and results.In a robust defence of the first GNU in 1994, President Nelson Mandela described it as an enduring national consensus “that is neither an imposition of one party over others, nor a honeymoon premised on the fickle whims of a fleeting romance”
“The same is true today. As parties finalise the modalities of the GNU guided by the Statement of Intent, the days and weeks that lie ahead will be crucial. 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. South Africans are watching. We should not waste our energies on those who stand in the way of our country’s progress or lose momentum over differences that can be resolved,”
The parties in the Government of National Unity (GNU) include the Democratic Alliance (DA), Patriotic Alliance (PA), Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), GOOD, Pan Africanist Congress of Azania (PAC), Freedom Front Plus (FF+), United Democratic Movement (UDM), Rise Mzansi, and Al Jama-ah. They have signed the Government of National Unity Statement of Intent.
