The African National Congress (ANC) has announced its intention to engage with additional political parties to join the Government of National Unity (GNU). This decision follows a recent four-day National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, where party leaders expressed concerns about the growing influence of the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the need for a more stable coalition environment.
President Cyril Ramaphosa, delivering his closing remarks after the NEC deliberations, stated that parties already existing within the coalition will be prioritised for talks as the ANC seeks to foster stability and unite like-minded allies. “The mooted reconfiguration was aimed at ensuring stability in coalition and safeguarding the transformation agenda, which has faced opposition from right-wing groupings, including factions within the GNU,” Ramaphosa declared.
Delving into the practical experiences of the past year, Ramaphosa highlighted that coalition dynamics have made discussions around the GNU paramount. “We have extensively discussed how we proceed with respect to the Government of National Unity. Accordingly, we’ve agreed to engage with parties that can contribute positively to the goals of national unity and stability,” he noted, laying out the ANC’s vision for navigating post-election challenges.
The decision to strengthen the GNU comes on the heels of the ANC grappling with a decrease in electoral support during recent elections, with figures showing a significant decline in their popularity. The party’s leaders contend that maintaining the GNU format is crucial for executing critical socio-economic transformation initiatives, despite the challenges posed by coalition politics.
Despite the opposition and criticism from within the coalition, ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula confirmed that the GNU remains a central part of the party’s strategy moving forward. “We are not discussing a review of the GNU. It is not about looking back but about discussing the GNU as the option we’ve embraced,” said Mbalula, underscoring the necessity for all voices within the party to be heard.
While the ANC has made it clear that the DA is not being expelled from the GNU, Mbalula acknowledged that frustrations within the liberation movement regarding the DA’s tenacity in opposition could surface. “If there are members who believe the DA is not an honest partner in the GNU, that conversation will be on the table as well,” he added, indicating that the dynamics of coalition governance will be continually navigated.
The DA has not yet publicly responded to the ANC’s coalition expansion plans; however, it’s anticipated that the former opposition party may contest the idea, as they have previously raised concerns about the ANC’s attempts to include new members in the government framework.