Former finance minister Tito Mboweni has expressed his critical views on the newly established Government of National Unity (GNU) announced by the African National Congress (ANC).
Mboweni contends that the GNU is, in reality, just a coalition government. This comes after the ANC failed to secure a majority in the national and provincial elections held on May 29th for the first time in 30 years.
Mboweni has rejected the characterization of the coalition of parties as a GNU, questioning the necessity of so many parties joining this ‘marriage.’
According to Mboweni, the context today is significantly different from 1994 when the original GNU was formed. “In 1994, we were coming out of negotiations involving all parties, leading to an interim constitution and a transitional government,” Mboweni said.
He emphasized that the current situation lacks this transitional context, and therefore, should not be termed as a GNU.
Mboweni also highlighted the potential dangers of this so-called GNU. “The danger here is the blurring of the distinction between the executive and the legislature. With so many parties in government, how will they behave in parliament?” he questioned.
He believes that the current setup is merely an attempt to form a government after indecisive elections, rather than a true Government of National Unity.
Former Governor Tito Mboweni rejected the characterization of the Coalition as GNU and questioned why so many parties are joining.
“Conceptually this is not a Government of National Unity (GNU) we are talking about, this is a coalition of parties to form a government” pic.twitter.com/sSli1QrzTX
— TK_Nala (@NalaThokozane) June 23, 2024
Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, founder of Gift of the Givers, shared Mboweni’s scepticism. He referred to the new GNU as a “government of selective unity,” criticizing the exclusion of parties like the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and former president Jacob Zuma’s Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) party.
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Sooliman argued that the ANC’s decision to exclude these parties is one of its “biggest mistakes,” influenced by external forces rather than internal coherence and history.
As the new GNU prepares to take office, questions and concerns about its legitimacy and functionality loom large. Both Tito Mboweni and Dr. Imtiaz Sooliman have made compelling arguments that challenge the ANC’s approach, urging for a reconsideration to ensure a truly unified and effective government.
 newly announced Government of National Unity (GNU), arguing it is merely){kind=link}