ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa has spoken on coalitions. Picture: X/ Athi Geleba
ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa has mapped out his party’s strategy for coalition talks, revealing it will form a government of national unity.
The ANC has been in power for 30 years but lost its majority in the 29 May elections. It secured just over 40% of the national vote, while the main opposition, the DA, got 21.8%.
This means the ANC will now have to negotiate with other political parties to form a government.
Speaking at the close of the ANC’s national executive committee (NEC) meeting in Boksburg, Gauteng, on Thursday, Ramaphosa said South Africans wanted the party to be part of the country’s future.
“We have therefore agreed that we will invite political parties to form a government of national unity, as the best option to move our country forward,” he added.
The country last had a government of national unity in 1994, as it transitioned into democracy.
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He said the purpose of the government of national unity would be to tackle the issues of job creation, growing an inclusive economy, high cost of living, service delivery, crime and corruption.
“This moment calls for the broader unity of the people of South Africa, multi-party co-operation, and multi-stakeholder participation if we are to overcome the severe challenges that face our country.”
He said a government of national unity was the “most viable, effective, and powerful way to meet the expectations of all South Africans”.
Ramaphosa called for a national dialogue with political parties, social partners and sectors of society to rebuild social unity and cohesion.
He confirmed that the party had already spoken to the EFF, PA, NFP, IFP and DA.
“We have also engaged our alliance partners to brief them on the process and continue to seek their invaluable views and guidance.”
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Ramaphosa warned that any agreements made should be in writing, made public, be transparent and have mechanisms to hold it to account.
He said it was necessary and strategic to work with those who promoted social unity and “isolate those who seek to cause chaos, instability and divisions”.
The ANC’s negotiation task teams will now approach parties to propose the coalition structure.
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