Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen announced that his party had signed a Government of National Unity (GNU) agreement with the African National Congress (ANC) and the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP).
Prime Minister Steenhuisen made the announcement on the sidelines of the first meeting of the National Assembly, saying it was a landmark day for the country.
“After two weeks of negotiations, which only just finished after the parliamentary session began, the DA has reached an agreement on the GNU Statement of Intent, signed by the leaders of the DA, IFP and ANC, which will see the DA enter national and provincial government in GP and KZN provinces.”
Steenhausen said the GNU presidential candidate would come from the group's largest party.
“The GNU presidential candidate is President Cyril Ramaphosa, the largest party in the group. Following today's elections, President Ramaphosa will exercise his power to appoint a new cabinet from among the members of the GNU.
— Democratic Alliance (@Our_DA) June 14, 2024
“The minimum basic programme contained in the manifesto also commits the GNU to embarking on a path of fundamental reform that reflects many of the key promises contained in the election manifestos of the DA and other political parties.” Follow#SaveSA #7thCongress
— Democratic Alliance (@Our_DA) June 14, 2024
Steenhuisen added that problems such as unemployment, crime and corruption would not be solved overnight, and he said voters should keep in mind that solving the challenges facing the country will take years of work.
“South Africa has the highest unemployment rate in the world and one of the highest crime rates in the world. Our logistics and infrastructure are in decline and corruption is endemic. No one can expect these problems to be solved overnight. Getting the country back on track will take years of hard work, patience, maturity and cooperation from all sectors of society.”
