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President Cyril Ramaphosa and Deputy President Paul Mashatile, joined by leaders of the Government of National Unity (GNU), watched and cheered on the Proteas Women in the ICC Women’s World Cup Final on the sidelines of the GNU Leaders’ Retreat in Mogale City.
Political analyst Dr. Levy Ndou believes that political parties, who previously rejected joining the Government of National Unity (GNU), should rethink their decision.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has previously stated that it would only join the GNU if the Democratic (DA) is excluded. However, the appointment of EFF Gauteng chairperson, Nkululeko Dunga, as Finance MEC in the province, has raised questions over the possibility of a political shift in the GNU.
“And when an opportunity presents itself for any party to be in government and such parties reject the offers, that could be interpreted differently by their constituencies. Where they want them to be in government and parties reject such offers, some of the voters could feel betrayed that their own people that they thought would represent them better are turning down that offer.”
Ndou adds that the inclusion of parties like the EFF and Umkhonto weSizwe party in the GNU would be a good indication that different political parties are able to get along.
“It will also be an extension of representation in government by parties that have got a considerable number of votes or that were voted by a considerable number of citizens. But what is also very important is that it will be an indication that parties could still be able to cooperate, work together and actively participate in building South Africa.”
African National Congress (ANC) Deputy President, Paul Mashatile, has echoed Dr. Ndou’s the sentiments. He says that the ANC will always be open to working with political parties that are committed to serve South Africans.
“Well, let me say that the ANC has always been open to work with everybody. You’ll recall that when we started the GNU, we did invite MKP, EFF to come work with us. They had their differences at the time not to come in, but it’s something that will remain open for us. We will work with all parties that are committed to serve South Africa and we will not discriminate. So if they engage us about other areas, we will look into that.”
Meanwhile, the ANC Veterans League has expressed its dismay at the appointment of Dunga as Finance MEC in Gauteng citing allegations of poor financial performance in the City of Ekurhuleni, when he was Finance MMC.
