The Progressive Caucus in Parliament says it doesn't feel betrayed
The Pan Africanist Congress of Azania, United Democratic Movement and Al Jama-Ah have left the group which was formed earlier this month.
The fire-damaged portion of Parliament in Cape Town. Picture: Lindsay Dentlinger/Eyewitness News
JOHANNESBURG - The Progressive Caucus in Parliament said that it does not feel betrayed by the parties that left it to join the African National Congress’s (ANC) Government of National Unity (GNU).
The Pan Africanist Congress of Azania (PAC), United Democratic Movement (UDM) and Al Jama-Ah have left the group which was formed earlier this month.
It's now left with three parties that have a combined total of 42 seats in the National Assembly.
When the Progressive Caucus was established, all six parties undertook to not engage the ANC individually but as a bloc.
The strategy was aimed at strengthening its position at the negotiation table.
African Transformation Movement (ATM) President Vuyo Zungula said that the three parties who went against this had their own motivations.
"Even though it is a caucus parties also retain their independence and it is that independence that allows them to make such decisions.”
Al Jama-Ah leader Ganief Hendricks said that his party has not left the progressive caucus despite joining the GNU.