Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen says he does not believe that expanding the Government of National Unity (GNU) and inviting MK Party and EFF will help it move forward, arguing that such a move would make things worse.

“In terms of the expansion of the GNU – and that’s also been raised by the last speaker – let me be very clear. We entered into something called the Statement of Intent. It was signed by all parties,” Steenhuisen said.

“The Statement of Intent makes it abundantly clear that if new parties are to be added to the GNU, this has to be done in consultation with the parties currently in the GNU, and such a decision will be based on the sufficient consensus clause within that Statement of Intent,” he added.

Steenhuisen made the remarks on Monday in Johannesburg, as the DA unveiled its proposed changes to the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) Act, the Employment Equity Act, and the Expropriation Act – legislation the party has long criticised as problematic.

The DA, which is the largest partner in the GNU, has opposed several key policies introduced by the African National Congress (ANC), which leads the coalition. 

Tensions between the two parties have persisted since the GNU’s formation, with the DA at times threatening to withdraw.

However, it has ultimately chosen to remain, claiming its commitment to holding those involved in corruption and nepotism accountable, and to implementing legislation aimed at economic growth and job creation.

His comments come after the ANC indicated plans to expand the GNU, with ongoing discussions involving other political parties, including the Jacob Zuma-led uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).

Last week, IOL News reported that as the ANC intensifies its efforts to broaden the GNU, opposition party ActionSA has said it is not interested in joining the ruling coalition. 

ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba said he had only heard media reports of the ANC’s intentions and that his party had not been approached directly by Luthuli House.

The DA and Freedom Front Plus, both GNU members, have strongly opposed any expansion of the coalition.

“I think it’s going to complicate things even further. We already have ten parties in the GNU. It’s one of the largest coalitions in the world,” Steenhuisen said.

“I think that there should rather be more energy and focus spent on improving relations among the parties within the GNU – particularly on how you consult, manage conflict and establish dispute resolution mechanisms, which to date remain unavailable,” he told the media.

“That is why every time there is a bit of frisson in the coalition, it blows up into a massive storm.”

He added that internal mechanisms for open and frank discussions were urgently needed, to avoid repeated breakdowns in communication.

“No, we have not been consulted or spoken to about expanding the GNU, and obviously when that discussion comes, we will engage and express our views.

“But I know as well that these views are also shared by other partners in the GNU, who are concerned about expansion and would rather see improved working relations within the Government of National Unity.”

Meanwhile, speaking to IOL News, MK party national spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela said the party was not in discussions with the ANC about joining the GNU.

“We are not in any discussions with the GNU, and we will never sell out our people and join the GNU,” Ndhlela said.

“There’s an element of relevance being sought by people who are irrelevant, trying to bring us into their mess. You can’t use MK as a mob to reverse or clean up after decisions that were made by selling out – and that’s what this is.”

Both the MK party and the EFF have previously said they will not join the GNU, which currently includes the DA and Freedom Front Plus.

“We have stated from day one that we can’t work with the ANC of Ramaphosa. We won’t join the GNU. There are no conditions that will make us join the GNU – because there’s no such thing as the GNU,” said Ndhlela.

IOL News has reached out to the ANC and EFF for comment, but no response had been received at the time of publication.

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za

IOL Politics

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