ANC explains ‘uncertainty’ over GNU policy direction

The African National Congress (ANC) has noted “growing uncertainty” among South Africans about the policies of the Government of National Unity (GNU).

The ANC said these concerns may stem from statements by political parties, both within and outside the GNU, as well as from lack of familiarity with the GNU principles.

ANC acting national spokesman Zuko Godlimpi on Thursday said the GNU party’s political programme was secure.

“This has been agreed to by all political parties that have signed the GNU Statement of Intent (SOI). There is no agreement on ‘sealed mandates’ whereby each minister in the GNU pursues his or her sectarian party policies. Such an agreement would be contrary to both the letter and the spirit of the constitution under which all the signatories of the GNU party have agreed to operate,” Godlimpi said.

Understanding GNU

Godlimpi appealed to all South Africans and commentators to familiarise themselves with the essential elements of GNU.

“Clause 11 sets out the substantive policy program, which is the basic framework for GNU policy, building on Clause 8. Clause 19 deals with cases where there is a significant disagreement about the policy. Sub-Clause 19.3 explains the majority that must be obtained by a party seeking to repeal, amend, or introduce the policy.

“When taken in context, especially section 19.3, it is important to understand that all existing government policies remain in force without exception. No other interpretation of this section can be taken seriously at this time,” Godlimpi said.

READ ALSO: SEE: “No party in GNU will unilaterally change its policy” – Magwenya

The direction of policy after GNU in SA

Last month, President Cyril Ramaphosa’s spokesman, Vincent Magwenya, said no political party within the GNU would unilaterally change its policies.

Because the GNU provides a collective opportunity to accelerate and improve several existing policies in order to provide transparency, create clear expectations and provide direction for policy-making and the management of government, some parties may wish to pursue policies as outlined in their manifestos.

Magwenya, however, stated that no party or individual in the GNU can change the policy.

“What the president has before him now is a consensus based on the agreement around the Statement of Intent. The basic minimum program that is described in that statement is consistent with the priorities that he would like to see in the seventh administration.

“We have to differentiate political rhetoric. There will be no case where all party manifestos find expression and some issues are issues that are already well expressed in the constitution. Some issues can be discussed but there is no party that unilaterally decides to change the policy, (or) legislation and change the regulations,” Magwenya said.

In his weekly newsletter the same week, Ramaphosa said the Statement of Intent “commits signatories to a set of core principles that include respect for constitutionalism, accountability, transparency and community participation in governance, evidence-based policy and decision-making, professionalisation of the integrity of the public service and good governance”.

READ ALSO: “South Africa’s hopes pinned on GNU success” – Ramaphosa