After losing an outright majority in the most recent elections, the African National Congress (ANC), which is in power in South Africa, claims to have made headway toward establishing a government of national unity. However, according to party secretary general Fikile Mbalula, the party is not yet prepared to make the specifics of an agreement public. With 40% of the vote, the ANC lost its legislative majority in May’s election—its first in thirty years. This indicates that in order for President Cyril Ramaphosa to hold onto office, he needed the support of other parties.
On Friday, the newly elected parliament will convene for the first time and is anticipated to cast its first presidential vote. One expects Mr. Ramaphosa to stay in his position. Following a meeting with the party’s top executives, Mr. Mbalula told reporters, “We are talking to political parties as we speak right now,” but he was unable to provide more information. He did indicate that the party would shift to the center because the left-wing breakaway ANC parties have declared their refusal to join. He added that the formation of a government of national unity had been agreed upon all parties, including the pro-business Democratic Alliance (DA).
Mr. Mbalula continued, “But the ANC and DA have not agreed on how exactly they will cooperate.” “If the DA were to get some of these things that it wants it means the ANC will be dead,” he stated. With 22% of the vote, the DA finished second in the election. The Democratic Alliance (DA), which mostly receives support from racial minorities, has been charged by President Cyril Ramaphosa of being “treasonous” and “reactionary”. Many ANC activists would be opposed to any agreement with the DA.
The party has a reputation for standing out for the interests of the white minority and is an advocate of free market economics, which runs counter to the ANC’s left-wing roots.
