Ramaphosa says GNU working well, ministers showing great commitment to SA
Ramaphosa said if there were differences between some of the ten parties in the GNU, they would find ways to resolve it and find solutions.
President Cyril Ramaphosa replies to oral questions in the National Assembly for the first time in the seventh parliament. Picture: Presidency
CAPE TOWN - President Cyril Ramaphosa said the Government of National Unity (GNU) is working just fine and its ministers are showing great commitment to the country.
Ramaphosa said if there were differences between some of the ten parties in the GNU, they would find ways to resolve it and find solutions.
The president was responding to questions in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on a range of issues, including the workings of the GNU. This followed a meeting between the parties on Wednesday night.
Ramaphosa has again been forced to explain the policy direction of the GNU and what happens when parties differ on policy.
The questions came a day before Ramaphosa signs the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill into law, legislation vehemently opposed by two parties in the GNU.
But Ramaphosa said the GNU is functioning well despite the differences between parties.
“I’d like to give you a front-row seat to see precisely how that is working out. It is working out so well that everyone who has been appointed in various positions are showing a great deal of commitment, not to work for themselves and their parties, but for the people of South Africa.”
Ramaphosa has also told the NCOP that the parties will have differences, as expected in any working relationship.
“Of course, because we come from different political parties, there will always be differences, as there are differences in any relationship whether it's friends, partners in a marriage, or in an organisation or a company,” said Ramaphosa.
Ramaphosa also said they are finalising performance agreements signed by all ministers and deputies and they will be moving quickly