The African National Congress (ANC) said it had met with at least six political parties with a view to forming a coalition or national unity government at national and provincial levels.
This was revealed at a press conference held by the party in Johannesburg this morning. The participating parties are the Democratic Alliance (DA), Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), National Freedom Party (NFP) and Patriotic Alliance (PA).
ANC spokesperson Malengi Bhengu Motsili said the party wanted to form a government that would put the interests of South Africans first, but negotiations with the MK party have yet to make progress, though she said talks would continue.
“We have been meeting with all political parties keen to come up with ideas on how we can come together and move the country forward. Officials have informed the NWC that the ANC has approached the MK party on multiple occasions but has not received a positive response. We remain open to all political parties keen to work with us to move the country forward.”
Video: ANC briefs media on National Working Committee meeting results
The South African Communist Party (SACP) said it would not support a coalition government that included the Democratic Alliance. SACP general secretary Solly Mapaila said the party had a clear anti-capitalist orientation.
“We support a minority government with GNU characteristics, a government of national unity without the role and participation of DA-led forces. Therefore, we are clear on our anti-capitalist trajectory. The problems we face in this country are because we have been tied to the interests of capital that we have pursued for so many years and that have always threatened us on economic stability.”
Additional reporting by Sibale Mossa