Babalo Ndenze5 July 2024 | 4:11

GNU parties can’t implement own policies without Cabinet approval, says Ntshavheni

She said the government’s priorities and programme of action are already articulated in the medium-term strategic framework, which is guided by the election manifesto of the governing party and the GNU.

GNU parties can’t implement own policies without Cabinet approval, says Ntshavheni

Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni. Picture: GCIS

CAPE TOWN - Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said parties forming the Government of National Unity (GNU) can’t just implement their own policies without Cabinet approval.

She said the government’s priorities and programme of action are already articulated in the medium-term strategic framework, which is guided by the election manifesto of the governing party and the GNU.

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However, she said directors-general are analysing the manifestos of parties in the GNU and will submit a proposal for consideration at next week’s Cabinet Lekgotla.

Ntshavheni was addressing the first GNU media briefing on Thursday, outlining the government’s short-term plans.

She warned that ministers from other parties in the GNU don’t have free rein when it comes to policy.

Ntshavheni said a few processes, like the Cabinet lekgotla, still need to take place before the GNU Cabinet can make policy pronouncements or give directives.

“That policy and that programme will have to be implemented as long as it has been agreed in Cabinet at the lekgotla and it also goes formally to get adopted by Cabinet because that is what the National Treasury will fund.”

Ntshavheni said there are no party policies in the GNU.

“There are no ANC [African National Congress] policies in government that get implemented. There are government policies.”

She said in the event of consensus not being found by Cabinet, voting will not be an option because it has never been done before.