Rise Mzansi Joins Government Of National Unity

Rise Mzansi, the latest political party to join the so-called Government of National Unity (GNU), has made headlines with its recent decision.

Party leader Songezo Zibi announced on Saturday that the national leadership collective had met to discuss its approach to the GNU, ultimately deciding to sign the statement of intent.

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RISE Mzansi’s move follows hot on the heels of the Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus) joining the coalition on Thursday this week and Bantu Holomisa’s United Democratic Movement (UDM) on Friday.

The government of national unity also consists of the Democratic Alliance (DA), Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), Patriotic Alliance (PA), the GOOD Party and the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC).

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Rise Mzansi has articulated a clear vision for its role within the GNU. According to Zibi, “South Africans have expressed the need to be represented by new leaders who are capable, caring, and ethical, which is the platform on which we conveyed our politics.”

The party believes that the GNU offers a unique opportunity for collaboration and to influence the implementation of key issues outlined in their manifesto. These issues include addressing hunger and food security, combating crime and violence, delivering spatial and land justice, fostering economic justice, and tackling the climate crisis.

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In less than two years since its inception, Rise Mzansi garnered nearly 140,000 votes in the recent national and provincial elections, securing two seats in the National Assembly.

The elections did not result in any party, including the long-standing African National Congress (ANC), securing an outright majority, leading to coalition talks under the GNU. President Cyril Ramaphosa has returned for a second term and will now face the challenge of forming a cabinet that reflects both the ANC and its GNU partners.

The entry of Rise Mzansi into the GNU has prompted discussions about the future of coalition politics in South Africa. Lebohang Pheko, Commissioner of the National Planning Commission and Senior Research Fellow, emphasized the potential for the coalition to harness diverse talents and ideas for a collaborative approach to governance.