Deputy President Paul Mashatile.
Image: Siyabulela Duda/ GCIS
THE current squabbles between some of the key parties in the Government of National Unity (GNU) do not imply that the coalition government will collapse, says Deputy President Paul Mashatile.
“One of the reasons why this GNU will continue is that it is not an agreement between merely two parties, as is the case in many other countries, but rather an agreement among 10 political parties working towards the same objectives and priorities.
"What we need to understand about GNU is that we may have different views on issues, but once an agreement has been reached, we must all speak with one voice. This was also the case with Chris Hani; he had a strong view about the armed struggle, and when the ANC was prepared to engage in negotiations, the leadership decided to drop it, which he opposed,” said Mashatile.
He made the remarks when he delivered the keynote address during the 32nd commemoration of the killing of Struggle icon Chris Hani in the Eastern Cape on Thursday.
The event came at a time when the future of the DA and Freedom Front Plus remained uncertain in the GNU after they voted against the passing of the budget in Parliament last week, forcing its GNU partners, the ANC to rely on parties outside the coalition government for support.
About Hani, Mashatile said he was quick to support the decision of the majority even when he had disagreements.
“When a majority decision was reached, he was the one who returned with the same zeal, encouraging people to lay down their arms. He understood that you cannot present your viewpoint to a majority of people who hold opposing views. When one viewpoint is not supported, we must support the majority to provide a sense of direction for our country, because we cannot develop a country in a fractured manner,” he said.
Mashatile has been at the forefront of leading the charge to have the DA removed from the GNU. This publication recently reported that such calls were thwarted by his boss President Cyril Ramaphosa, who apparently opted for more consultation.
ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula confirmed Thursday that the party was expected to meet with the DA and the Freedom Front Plus at the weekend.
The ANC has already engaged with the leaders from the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC), Build One South Africa (BOSA), Al Jama'ah, and the Good Party.
“All parties acknowledged the necessity of protecting vulnerable sections of society while ensuring that public services, such as education, healthcare, and social security, remain adequately funded and that the fiscal policies implemented safeguard the interests of all South Africans.
"A key focus of the discussions was the need to find viable alternatives to proposed tax increases, particularly the VAT hike, while securing revenue streams that will sustain economic growth and protect essential services. The ANC, in collaboration with other political formations, reaffirmed its commitment to an inclusive, multilateral approach that considers all perspectives and ensures no group is left behind,” said ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri.
Cape Times
