While political parties are keeping mum over talks regarding a government of national unity (GNU), the ANC Veterans League (ANCVL) yesterday expressed optimism about negotiations producing a positive outcome for the country.
Federal Council Chair of the Democratic Alliance (DA), Helen Zille, stated that South Africa’s second-largest opposition party was “not giving comment to the media at this stage” and referred inquiries to the Freedom Front Plus for further details. However, its leader, Dr. Pieter Groenewald, also remained tight-lipped.
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Despite expressing confidence in the ANC’s GNU negotiators brokering a good deal for South Africa, ANCVL President Snuki Zikalala acknowledged that state capture and indecision in taking quick disciplinary measures against former President Jacob Zuma had cost the ANC votes, preventing it from achieving an outright majority.
In a wide-ranging interview with Newzroom Afrika, Zikalala supported the outcome of the party’s National Executive Committee meeting, which endorsed a resolution for the formation of the GNU to govern South Africa for the next five years.
“We regret having lost 17% of our votes, mainly taken by the MK party – something we never saw coming. At the same time, we recognize that South Africans have spoken against the ANC’s failure to address basic issues like service delivery and corruption,” Zikalala said.
The ANC is determined to ensure that those involved in malfeasance are dealt with by law enforcement agencies. “We fully support the GNU and the program outlined by the ANC president after the NEC meeting,” he added.
Zikalala emphasized the importance of stability, accountability, ethics, good governance, and community participation as shared values among all parties involved in the GNU.
Policy analyst Dr. Nkosikhulule Nyembezi highlighted the necessity of cooperation among elected political parties for the long-term success of citizens’ collective efforts to end poverty, hunger, inequality, unemployment, and other priority challenges.
“The GNU must be as inclusive as possible, considering the national and provincial election results to ensure that all citizens benefit from this democracy and enjoy human rights protections enshrined in the constitution,” said Nyembezi.
He pointed out that while South Africans support the GNU, politicians still fall short of the investments needed to look beyond sharing government positions. “We are still not hearing loud enough assuring voices or witnessing enough movements to improve public confidence,” Nyembezi added.
