GNU programme of action: Speech must demonstrate unified leadership, says analyst

JOHANNESBURG - With the Government of National Unity (GNU) set to outline its programme of action, some political analysts are pleased that State institutions will no longer be anchored on the interests and policies of the African National Congress (ANC).

President Cyril Ramaphosa is scheduled to deliver his opening of Parliament speech in Cape Town on Thursday, to map out government’s key priorities for the next five years.

Ramaphosa’s address will however have to factor in the interests of various political parties represented in the Government of National Unity.

Suggestions that tomorrow’s opening of Parliament address will mark a turning point in South Africa’s democracy, given that the ANC will no longer have the sole authority to influence government decisions.

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Political analyst Goodenough Mashego said President Cyril Ramaphosa’s speech must demonstrate a unified leadership, despite the divergent policy positions with his executive.

"It should reflect the fact that we are back to 1994, whereby ANC policy no longer becomes national policy but national policy becomes a product of political consensus."

Another political commentator, Dirk Kotze, said Ramaphosa’s speech will alert South Africans whether or not parties in the GNU will manage to reach negotiated settlements without unnecessary deadlocks.

"So in that sense, it’s a transition period in terms of policies and policy implementation."

Both analysts, however, agree the GNU will need political maturity to have a successful term.