The African National Congress (ANC) is currently facing significant pushback from one of its trusted coalition allies, Al Jama-ah, regarding its proposed Government of National Unity (GNU).
This initiative has sparked a broad debate among various political entities, with concerns ranging from the return of ‘white rule’ to the weakening of the opposition’s watchdog role.
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Ganief Hendricks, the leader of Al Jama-ah, has strongly voiced his objections to the GNU proposal. Invited by the ANC for talks over the weekend, Hendricks warned against collaborating with the Democratic Alliance (DA).
He argued that the DA’s values, which he described as ‘anti-humanitarian’ and supportive of the ‘genocide of Palestinians,’ are fundamentally incompatible with those of the ANC.
Hendricks emphasized that the ANC’s mandate to govern should not be compromised by alliances with parties that, according to him, aim to re-establish ‘white rule’ and perpetuate economic inequality.
“The ANC was given a mandate to govern and serve, though with 40% as a minority government, but we warned against joining hands with parties that are hell-bent to return the country to ‘white rule’.
“Less dependence on white monopoly is the only way to prosperity for all South Africans. The country’s economy should be controlled by blacks; the reparation of land will not be achieved by a GNU. Codesa delayed true freedom and a GNU will further bury these aspirations which would eventually lead to a bloodbath,” said Hendricks.
“Lessons must be learnt from the past 30 years of freedom which are described by many as fake. South Africa must govern and serve her people without any interference from the former colonial masters which is against the ANC’s policy of nonracialism.
“The inequalities existing among South Africans have been allowed to grow to alarming proportions and this requires a radical change,” he said.
Other smaller parties have also expressed reservations about the proposed GNU. Pieter Groenewald, leader of the Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus), acknowledged the possibility of a GNU but highlighted the need for clarity on the preconditions and principles before any decisions could be made.
He stressed that certain policies, like expropriation without compensation, are non-negotiable for his party.
“It will also matter which other political parties they are willing to form a GNU with. We are waiting to see a proposal from the ANC on national level, but on provincial level, particularly in the Northern Cape, we are in discussions. We are looking at certain aspects and we will follow up,” Groenewald said.
ActionSA’s national chairperson, Michael Beaumont, indicated that while they are open to discussions, their participation might not be necessary for the formation of a GNU.
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He emphasized that the remaining parties might be sidelined in the decision-making process, which could undermine the effectiveness of a united government.
Songezo Zibi of Rise Mzansi and Mmusi Maimane of Build One SA both emphasized the importance of a comprehensive and inclusive plan for the GNU to succeed. Zibi highlighted the need for stability and effective governance through parliamentary oversight.
Maimane stressed that any GNU must have a clear plan addressing the issues faced by millions of South Africans, including preserving the constitution and eradicating corruption.
 faces opposition from coalition ally Al Jama-ah on the proposed Government of National Unity (GNU). Al Jama-ah's leader,){kind=link}