GNU parties cannot implement their own policies without Cabinet approval, says Ntshavheni

CAPE TOWN – Government Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni has said the parties that make up the Government of National Unity (GNU) cannot simply implement their own policies without Cabinet approval.

She said the government’s priorities and agenda have already been set out in the medium-term strategic framework, which is based on the election manifesto of the ruling party and the GNU.

READ ALSO: GNU Cabinet will not be distracted by ideological issues and politicking – Ntshavheni

She, however, added that the directors general were analysing the GNU party manifestos and would submit a proposal for consideration at the Lekgotla cabinet meeting next week.

Ntshavheni spoke at the GNU’s first press briefing on Thursday, outlining the government’s short-term plans.

She warned that ministers from other parties in the GNU do not have complete freedom to set policy.

Ntshavheni said several processes, such as the Lekgotla Cabinet, were yet to be completed before the GNU Cabinet could issue policy statements or directives.

“This policy and this programme will have to be implemented as long as it is agreed in the Cabinet Office in lekgotla and also formally adopted by the Cabinet because that is what will be funded from the National Treasury.”

Ntshavheni said there were no party politics in GNU.

“There are no ANC (African National Congress) policies in government that are being implemented. There are government policies.”

She added that in the event of the Cabinet failing to reach a consensus, a vote would be out of the question as it had never been done before.