“History will judge you,” Malema tells Ramaphosa 

 

EFF Leader, Julius Malema, has denounced the Government of National Unity (GNU) as a grand coalition between the ANC and white monopoly capital. 

 

Malema used his congratulatory speech to President Cyril Ramaphosa to tell him that history will judge him, and it will judge him harshly. 

 

Ramaphosa will now preside over the 7th democratic administration, after MPs voted for him to lead South Africa again following one of the most difficult administrations in the country’s history. 

Other office bearers who were also elected on Friday, are Thoko Didiza who has assumed the role of National Assembly Speaker and Annelie Lotriet, who will be deputising her.

The EFF had fielded Veronica Mente as its preferred Speaker, a move Malema says had nothing to do with Didiza, but it was rather a contest against the betrayal of the people. 

 

The leader of the red berets has, however, reassured the president that they will not be fighting with any bouncers in Parliament.

 

“We are going to ensure that this Parliament is functional. We are going to be the best and effective opposition to ensure that both you and the DA are held accountable.”

 

‘Power meaningless’

 

ATM leader, Vuyolwethu Zungula, in his congratulatory speech reminded the President that power is meaningless if it doesn’t translate to a good quality of life and the resolution of problems faced by the people. 

 

“There’s a need for fundamental changes to the economy and not cosmetic changes that won’t bring any meaningful change in the lives of the people. People don’t elect parties for the sake of parties, but they elect parties with the hope that their lives will improve for the better.”

 

Maturity commended

 

Rise Mzansi leader, Songezo Zibi, commended the ANC for showing maturity in the recent elections. 

 

He says other countries don’t have the privilege of experiencing a peaceful transfer of power from one administration to the next. 

 

Zibi says the 2024 election show that fewer people are trusting a political system and fewer people are voting. 

 

“We need a strong Parliament, trustworthy representatives, strong, ethical and a capable government to restore the trust of South African people. The only way we can do that is to apply ourselves properly and with diligence to the task that the people of South Africa have given all of us,” he said.

 

‘Ready to serve’

 

IFP president, Velenkosini Hlabisa, says his party is ready to serve in the GNU, knowing that South Africa is utterly changed by the 2024 elections results. 

 

He says they enter the GNU with an open mind and eyes wide open. 

 

“We may not be able to silence those voices, but we will be remembered as people of courage who chose to work together for the good of South Africa.

 

“Honourable President, be rest assured that we will support you on every right decision but where we must disagree, we will do so and advance valid reasons of our disagreement.” 

 

Hlabisa says the IFP will not be diluted nor lose its identity. 

 

“We enter in this GNU not to support the ANC, the DA or any other party but for the interest of the people of South Africa.”

‘Era of pointing fingers over’

DA leader, John Steenhuisen, says the country needs leaders to step up and end the era of pointing fingers. 

 

Steenhuisen says they look forward to working to Ramaphosa and the parties that will form part of GNU. 

 

He says they will ensure that the people who sent them to Parliament to serve, get value for money. 

 

‘New start’

 

BOSA leader, Mmusi Maimane, says the May 29 elections gave the country a new start. 

 

He says South Africa will never be the same again. 

 

Maimane says they will fight for accountability in Parliament. 

 

“Mr President be rest assured that when you want to Build One South Africa, you have my support but when we defer from that, we will hold you accountable.”

 

As the South African government takes shape, the ANC says it remains open to engage political parties who want to form part of the GNU. Written by Lindiwe Mpanza