By Zukile Majova
Political Editor
Talks about possible coalitions to form a future government have exposed deep divisions in the ANC ahead of this week’s national executive committee (NEC) meeting.
The ANC is on a seven-day marathon to negotiate and conclude negotiation with possible coalition partners.
The first important meeting was on Tuesday morning at the party’s headquarters Luthuli House where the officials met to prepare the agenda for the meeting of the National Working Committee.
The NWC is a powerful structure that is made up of president Cyril Ramaphosa, his deputy Paul Mashatile, the rest of the office bearers and 20 most senior members of the National Executive Committee.
It is the NWC that puts together a report before each meeting of the 87-member NEC.
So far, the ANC delegation has met mainly the DA, the EFF, the PA and the IFP to discuss possible coalition arrangements.
No decision can be taken without the NEC taking a resolution on what kind of coalition government would work for the ANC.
Here are the options:
- A government of national unity – A broad coalition government that includes all the parties in Parliament, put together in the interest of the nation. This was President Nelson Mandela’s government in 1994, which included the apartheid rulers, the National Party, and Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi’s IFP.
- A grand coalition – A coalition of the two biggest parties in Parliament, the DA and the ANC. Most ANC NEC members, Cosatu and the SACP are expected to reject this option.
- A minority government – A coalition of the ANC with three or four smaller parties like the MK, the EFF, the PA and the IFP.
The ANC failed to secure a clear majority in the 29 May elections, gaining only 40.1% of the national vote.
From the declaration of the election results, the parties have 14 days to form a government.
Even before the meeting of the NEC, Cosatu general secretary Solly Phetoe said the workers and the SACP will reject any consideration of a coalition with the DA.
The moderates in the ANC broad church led by President Cyril Ramaphosa are considering a more stable and market-friendly grand coalition with the DA.
ANC chairperson Gwede Mantashe, who is normally a loyal defender of Ramaphosa, is vehemently opposed to a coalition with the DA.
ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula said early demands for the ANC to get rid of Ramaphosa will not be entertained.
“The ANC will be having discussions within the organisation and with other parties and stakeholders on how best to establish national and provincial governments that reflect the will of the people and that are able to take the country forward,” Mbalula said.
“If you come to us with a demand that Ramaphosa must step down as the president, that is not going to happen.”
Pictured above: President Cyril Ramaphosa and company in tense coalition talks.
Source: X
