ANC leads historic agreement to form GNU

The African National Congress (ANC) has orchestrated a groundbreaking coalition of 10 South African political parties to form a Government of National Unity (GNU) for the seventh democratic administration.

The decision was prompted by the results of the 2024 National and Provincial Election, which underscored the urgent need for political parties to come together to tackle the critical issues facing the nation.

In a statement, ANC national spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri, conveyed that after extensive deliberation, the ANC proposed the GNU model as the most effective solution in the interest of the nation.

“The ANC extended invitations to all parties with parliamentary representation to engage with a Statement of Intent (SOI) outlining the guiding principles, goals, and structures of the GNU.

Following intense negotiations over a two-week period, 10 political parties have signed the SOI, committing to prioritise the well-being of the people of South Africa,” stated Bhengu-Motsiri.

The coalition comprises a diverse range of parties, including the ANC and the Democratic Alliance (DA), as well as the Patriotic Alliance (PA), Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), GOOD, Pan Africanist Congress of Azania (PAC), Vryheid Front Plus (FF+), United Democratic Movement (UDM), Rise Mzansi, and Al Jama-ah.

Together, these parties collectively garnered over 70% of the vote in the 2024 elections, showcasing a broad mandate and wide-ranging representation.

President Cyril Ramaphosa is poised to announce appointments to the Executive as discussions with the signatory parties progress.

Bhengu-Motsiri emphasised that the ANC remains actively engaged with parties that have not yet joined the GNU, in an effort to foster collaboration towards a unified, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, and prosperous South Africa.

She said this historic alignment of political forces marks a significant step towards a more inclusive and cohesive government that aims to address the pressing needs of all South Africans.