By: Buhle Mbhele
Political Science Researcher at the University of the Witwatersrand, Wandile Msomi, suggests that the 10 political parties forming part of the Government of National Unity (GNU) are primarily focused on preparing for their next election campaigns rather than serving citizens’ interests. Following the May 29 election, where the African National Congress (ANC) fell below the 50% majority threshold with 40.18% of the vote, a coalition government was formed with other parliamentary parties.
On June 14, the GNU was established after the Democratic Alliance (DA) agreed to coalition with the ANC, followed by the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP). The GNU now includes the ANC, DA, IFP, PA, PAC, UDM, Rise Mzansi, VF Plus, Al Jama-ah, and the UAT. Msomi believes the coalition agreement is vague, suggesting a focus on power sharing rather than effective public service.
“You have a mixture of political parties campaigning on socialist and communist policies, alongside others advocating free-market policies like the DA,” Msomi commented. “Bringing all these parties together into one government doesn’t appear sustainable. It’s hard to see how they will navigate their differing policies.”
Msomi highlights potential clashes, such as the DA’s stance on abolishing the minimum wage versus the ANC’s support for it, expressing concerns about how these differences will impact governance. Despite this, President Cyril Ramaphosa retained control of the Labour and Employment Ministry by appointing Nomakhosazan Meth as Minister.
Ramaphosa is expected to formally open Parliament on Thursday, following the cabinet announcement and the swearing-in of MPs.
