By Doreen Mokgolo
Less than a week after political parties signed the statement of intent to join the Government of National Unity (GNU), temperatures are rising as some parties defend their positions against Helen Zille’s “bullying” tactics.
Zille, the DA federal chairperson, demanded that the party be consulted before the ANC invited any other political parties to join the GNU. She alleged that the DA was not told about the Patriotic Alliance (PA) joining the GNU.
On Sunday, political parties, including the Good Party, PAC, and PA attended a GNU meeting called by the ANC and signed the statement of intent to join the GNU.
Seven political parties, including the ANC, DA, PA, IFP, Good, PAC, and PAC, form the GNU.
According to the GNU statement of intent, whenever new parties desire to join the GNU, the existing parties must discuss and agree upon the arrangement.
Zille said the ANC should have consulted them when inviting the PA to the GNU.
“The ANC can’t bring in people that they feel like bringing in,” she said. “The ANC must realise that they don’t take all the decisions anymore. They didn’t win the elections.”
PA deputy president Kenny Kunene said the party refuses to be bullied by the DA, which is scared it will challenge it on its racism.
“Zille just can’t stay away from being superior, arrogant and rude,” he said.
“The signed statement of intent is not a contract. Once all parties have joined, a final document will be amended and signed by those involved.
“She sees herself as superior to all the parties in the GNU,” said Kunene.
“They don’t want us to be part of the GNU because they know we will deal with their superiority complex. We are the only party that can stand up against their apartheid tendencies.”
The Good party’s secretary-general, Brett Herron, said it was problematic that Zille expected to be consulted on every party that signs the GNU document and who must be allowed to join.
“This is because they signed the document first. Had we signed the document when we received it on Friday, we would be the first party to be consulted,” he said.
“The statement of intent is only signalling the parties that are interested in joining the GNU. A lot of work still needs to be done, and a lekgotla of all parties involved will be called to determine the government.”
This article was updated to remove Rise Mzansi as one of the political parties that had signed a statement of intent to join the GNU.
Pictured above: Helen Zille.
Source: Supplied
