GNU fallout has tongues wagging

October 24, 2024 75

The Government of National Unity (GNU) has tongues wagging once again, with many questioning its longevity as the DA and ANC continue to be at odds.

DA leader and Agriculture Minister, John Steenhuisen, has slammed President Cyril Ramaphosa over his remarks that Russia is South Africa’s valuable ally and friend.

The President made the utterances during a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin ahead of the BRICS summit.

“Putin is your ally, Mr President, not South Africa’s,” said Steenhuisen.

The DA leader says Ramaphosa cannot afford to make statements that could jeopardise international relations.

Distancing his party from Ramaphosa’s assertions, Steenhuisen says the ANC can no longer determine the country’s foreign policy without consulting GNU partners.

“We cannot and will not agree that South Africa should consider an authoritarian regime, that is currently violating international law by waging an imperialist war of aggression against a sovereign state, as an ally.”

Academic and former vice chancellor of UCT, Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng, entered the fray calling out Steenhuisen for being inappropriate and irresponsible.

Phakeng says while Steenhuisen may have ground to argue Ramaphosa’s assertions, it is reckless to say a head of state is not acting on behalf of a nation.

The scholar has accused Steenhuisen of crossing the line and undermining the integrity of the government he serves.

“As part of the GNU, you share the responsibility for collective governance. If you disagree with the direction of foreign policy, put your argument forward, but stick to the merits even when you lose the debate.”

Phakeng has cautioned the DA leader about challenging the President in public, especially on a global stage but also with the position he holds as a Minister.

“His peers on the BRICS and global stage must take him seriously, so when you publicly cast doubt on his mandate, it reflects poorly on the entire country. If he appears weak, we all appear weak as a nation and become the laughingstock of the world because he is our face.”

Patriotic Alliance leader who is the country’s Sport, Arts and Culture Minister, Gayton McKenzie, also took Steenhuisen to task.

Deputy President, Paul Mashatile ,added fuel to the fire by announcing that the inaugural National Dialogue will be held on the 16th of December.

Mashatile announced this during a meeting with GNU partners, which was aimed at ironing out disagreements and refine contentious policies.

DA federal chair, Helen Zille, caught wind of the announcement and accused the ANC of overplaying its hand.

“We made it clear, from the start of the GNU negotiations, that the National Dialogue must be a joint initiative, planned and executed by the key GNU governance partners,” she said.

While some disagreed with the professor, many applauded her for the school of thought.

Her utterances have been met with anger from some South Africans, who reminded her that the DA was invited to the GNU.

We made it clear, from the start of the GNU negotiations, that the National Dialogue must be a joint initiative, planned and executed by the key GNU governance partners. But here goes the ANC, unilaterally as usual, as if they won the election. https://t.co/4b2jC8YeTn

— Helen Zille (@helenzille) October 24, 2024

Make no mistake, NO ONE will leave the GNU. Power is more addictive than we know. The DA has played big brother for so long they are unfamiliar with the position they now assume. Equally the ANC must realise it is not in power. The IFP must use its position to provide maturity

— Tolokazi (@lizTandwa) October 24, 2024

Helen Zille is quick to remind the ANC that it did not win elections, while dictating how things should be as if the DA won. A coalition of two parties with no common interests. This GNU reign will be the longest 5 years for all of us. We’re already tired.

— Patience (@patience_setati) October 24, 2024

The DA retains the right to maintain its own foreign policy position. However, that position can not be imposed on the President under the guise of the GNU. The President will not be micromanaged by the DA in his execution of South Africa’s foreign policy.

— Vincent Magwenya 🇿🇦 (@SpokespersonRSA) October 24, 2024

DA has been threatening to leave the GNU but won’t because they stand more to lose. If they were principled like they claim to be they would have long left the GNU (which would benefit South Africans). But they are enjoying the benefits of power and corruption too much to leave. https://t.co/FOjwjvjn3x

— Melanin_Mmaps (@Melanin_Mmaps) October 24, 2024