Members of the African National Congress (ANC) have expressed their growing impatience over the current deadlock in establishing a Government of National Unity (GNU).
They believe that the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) should intervene to resolve this impasse.
Some members argue that the Democratic Alliance (DA) should be excluded from the coalition and that the ANC should form the GNU with parties that have already signed the statement of intent.
Several ANC members advocate for the exclusion of the DA from the coalition, suggesting that the GNU should primarily comprise black political parties, while minority white parties may still participate.
An NEC member, speaking on condition of anonymity, emphasized that the DA should return to parliament to fulfil its role in opposition.
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“That matter needs to be addressed by the NEC, the National General Council, and the national conference. There is no opposition that can impose itself on us,” the insider stated.
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), a close ally of the ANC, has pledged to hold the ANC accountable in defending workers’ rights within the new GNU.
COSATU has urged the new government to act swiftly in stimulating the economy and to abandon austerity measures prevalent in the previous administration.
COSATU General Secretary, Solly Phetoe, stressed the importance of creating decent jobs and halting retrenchments to prevent further economic decline.
COSATU has reiterated its opposition to the DA’s participation in the GNU, citing the party’s neoliberal policies and history of opposing labour reforms. Phetoe stated, “If the DA is to be part of the GNU, then it must abandon its anti-worker and anti-transformation agendas.
“We expect the ANC, as the leader of the GNU, to ensure that the government is biased towards the working class, defends the hard-won rights of workers, and accelerates the transformation agenda.”
The federation expects the ANC to recognize the election outcomes as a mandate from voters to improve its performance and regain majority support. COSATU is committed to working closely with both the ANC and the South African Communist Party to rebuild voter confidence and ensure the ANC’s continued leadership.
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