Incompetent parties will be kicked out of the GNU: Ramaphosa

Newly sworn-in President Cyril Ramaphosa says political parties that don’t do their work will be kicked out of the Government of National Unity (GNU).

Ramaphosa addressed the nation at his inauguration ceremony at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

Various heads of state were in attendance, including the country’s top politicians.

The prestigious event marked the beginning of South Africa’s 7th democratic administration, one that Ramaphosa has dubbed the beginning of a new era.

He says the people of South Africa have been clear about what they want and the formation of a Government of National Unity is a moment of profound significance.

The ANC chose to pursue this type of governance after failing to secure an outright majority in one of the country’s most hotly contested polls.

The President has for the first time delved into the statement of intent signed by political parties who have joined the GNU.

“The parties have adopted a Statement of Intent, in which they have committed to pursue rapid, inclusive and sustainable economic growth; to create a more just society by tackling poverty; to safeguard the rights of workers; to stabilise the government and to build state capacity.”

“The parties have committed to invest in South Africa’s people through quality education and health care; to address crime and corruption; to strengthen social cohesion and build a united nation; and, to pursue a foreign policy based on human rights, solidarity and peace.”

He says the looming National Dialogue on the critical challenges facing the nation will invite all political parties, civil society organisations, businesses and other formations.

The President’s assertions come amid controversy over the DA’s utterances on the GNU.

Following the Patriotic Alliance’s announcement that it had joined the GNU, the ANC’s governance partner told journalists that the governing party can’t make unilateral decisions on who forms part of the alliance without consulting with it.

The DA, which is the second biggest party, has previously made it clear that it will not be part of a government that includes the PA, EFF and the MK Party.

The PA has come out guns blazing saying the DA cannot serve as the ANC’s gatekeeper.

The party says that allowing the DA to dictate to the ANC who it can and cannot invite into its coalition government will send only one message, that Helen Zille finally has the entire ANC exactly where she wants it.

The PA claims that their tussle with the DA is because of their political strides in the Western Cape.

“The PA not only dared, but we have enjoyed great political success in the Western Cape. The DA’s obsession with keeping us out of its provincial fortress has now sadly spilt over to the GNU,” says the PA.

DA leader, John Steenhuisen, says the party will be engaging the ANC on the matter in the coming days.

The DA says they are eyeing some positions in the President’s executive, which is expected to be announced soon.

Uncertainty continues to simmer over what will become of the new South Africa.

Below are some of the dignitaries who came to witness Ramaphosa taking his oath of office:

 King Mswati III and the Queen

 President of Nigeria Bola Ahmed Tinubu

 

President of Zimbabwe Emerson Mnangagwa

President of Namibia Nangolo Mbumba

Former President Kgalema Motlanthe and his wife Gugu Mtshali

Former deputy president Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka

 

Limpopo-born star, Makhadzi, gave members of the public who were gathered at the South lawns a stellar performance.

She says being a part of such a big occasion truly means a lot to her.

Amongst the esteemed guests was South Africa’s favourite, Young Stunna.

He says citizens should know about music as much as they know about politics.