John Steenhuisen, the DA leader, has rejected an earlier statement by his party that they will not join the government of national unity (GNU) if it includes the EFF and the MK party.
This comes after DA national spokesperson Werner Horn said the party will not accept ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa’s invitation to the GNU if Jacob Zuma and Julius Malema’s parties are invited.
“On Monday, the federal council will have to decide,” Horn told the SABC. “But even the smallest inclusion of those three parties, in terms of the current resolution of the federal executive, it will be very difficult, if not impossible, for us to be included.”
Steenhuisen immediately responded on Twitter: “These comments do not reflect the DA’s approach to these vital negotiations over the future of our country, which is based on defending the Constitution, ensuring stability, and growing the economy.
“We continue to engage with all parties committed to upholding these principles.”
Both Steenhuisen and Helen Zille, the leader of the DA federal council, have in the past said the party will do whatever it takes to avoid a coalition of the ANC with the EFF and MK party.
The DA is regarded as a potentially important player in the GNU, which will be constituted mainly to fast-track economic growth, create jobs, and fight crime and corruption.
Malema fired a salvo back at the DA and said: “We can’t share power with the enemy.”
Ramaphosa told the nation on Thursday night that collaborating with the main parties elected to parliament was the only way to save the country.
“A government of national unity is the most viable, most effective and most powerful way of meeting the expectations of all South Africans at this particular moment.”
Pictured above: John Steenhuisen.
Image source: X
