By Anita Dangazele
A total of ten parties of the eighteen parties with seats in the National Assembly have signed the Government of National Unity (GNU) Statement of Intent, the African National Congress (ANC) announced on Saturday.
The parties are the ANC, DA, Patriotic Alliance, IFP, GOOD, FF Plus, UDM, Rise Mzansi and Al Jama-ah. – Rise Mzansi, UDM and Al Jama-ah were officially welcomed into the GNU fold over the weekend.
According to a statement released by the ANC, the first phase of parties to join the GNU has now been concluded.
“Following two weeks of intense engagements, ten of the 18 parties with seats in the National Assembly have signed the GNU Statement of Intent, indicating their willingness to cooperate and put the people of South Africa first.
“Collectively, the parties constituting the GNU secured over 70% of the vote in the 2024 elections, ensuring broad representativity and a strong mandate to govern.
“The parties have agreed to be bound by the foundational principles outlined in the Statement of Intent and to work together to pursue its objectives,” the statement read.
Parties wishing to join the GNU will be subject to clause 24 of the Statement of Intent which states: “In keeping with the spirit of an inclusive GNU, it is agreed that the composition shall be discussed and agreed amongst the existing parties, whenever new parties desire to be part of the GNU.”
Pictured above: ANC deputy president Paul Mashatile with ANC chairperson Gwede Mantashe and DA leader John Steenhuisen.
Image source: Facebook
