UDM becomes 8th party to join GNU

The list of political parties that will form the Government of National Unity (GNU) stands at eight after the United Democratic Movement (UDM) announced it had accepted the African National Congress’ (ANC) proposal on Friday afternoon.

UDM leader Bantu Holomisa shared a letter that was sent to ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula detailing their response to a meeting between Holomisa and the UDM’s secretary-general Yongama Zigebe and treasurer Thandi Nontenja where queries were expressed in a letter sent on 17 June.

“We note that those issues will later be discussed by all participants in the GNU. The agreement will subsequently be signed, and the public will be informed later on how the GNU will operate,” Holomisa’s letter stated.

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This brings the number of parties in the GNU with the ANC to eight including the Democratic Alliance (DA), Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), Patriotic Alliance (PA), Pan Africanist Congress of Azania (PAC), GOOD party and FF Plus.

A National Dialogue and look at manifestoes

The UDM said it was “also satisfied with the intention to host a National Dialogue, an action the UDM has been advocating for years, akin to an Economic Codesa”.

“The UDM is further of the view that some of the resolutions taken at the proposed National Dialogue will require legislation to effect meaningful intervention in the future of South Africa.

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“Also, take note of our proposal that a Technical Committee be established after the GNU is in place to scrutinise all the members’ manifestoes in order to formulate policy. This committee should also consider the manifestoes of those parties outside the GNU who are in parliament, as they have been given a mandate by voters to effect change in South Africa,” stated the letter.

A day after FF Plus

UDM’s announcement comes a day after the FF Plus revealed it had also joined the GNU.

“The FF Plus was invited to become part of the Government of National Unity (GNU) and decided, after careful consideration, to get involved to help restore and rebuild South Africa,” said FF Plus leader Dr Pieter Groenewald.