ANC says there’s ‘pushback’ from some GNU partners in implementing transformative policies
The GNU dispute panel, known as the Clearing House, has recently concluded its deliberation on the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act.
- Government of national unity (GNU)
- African National Congress (ANC)
- South African Communist Party (SACP)
Deputy President Paul Mashatile at the launch of the 16 Days of Activism for no Violence Against Women and Children campaign in Rustenburg on 25 November 2024. Picture: @PresidencyZA/X
JOHANNESBURG - The African National Congress (ANC) says there is “pushback” from its partners in the Government of National Unity (GNU) when it comes to implementing transformative policies.
The GNU dispute panel, known as the Clearing House, has recently concluded its deliberation on the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act.
Next on the agenda for the panel is the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act, an ANC policy that some parties in the GNU oppose.
Speaking at the South African Communist Party’s (SACP) congress in Boksburg on Friday, ANC Deputy President Paul Mashatile said he expects resistance to the implementation of NHI.
“It’s quite clear, comrades, that there is a pushback. There is a pushback out there, particularly on transformation, transformative legislation.
"There are those who are trying to block, but we are standing firm to ensure that these progressive pieces of legislation, our policies of transformation, must take us forward, must be implemented.”
SACP CONTESTING ELECTIONS
The ANC said the decision by the SACP to contest elections alone should not break the alliance between the two organisations.
The ANC and SACP have been in alliance for about three decades and have contested elections under one banner.
The SACP is currently holding its 5th special national congress at the Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg to finalise the modalities of its election campaign.
Since the SACP’s congress started on Wednesday, Mashatile has been the only person from the ANC’s top six leadership to make an appearance.
The ANC deputy president made a one-hour-long speech before the SACP congress on Friday, reaffirming the party’s commitment to the alliance.
Mashatile said the ANC respects the decision of the SACP to contest the elections alone and will not stand in its way.
“All we know is that the alliance must not break. We have agreed no matter what happens, we will continue to work in this alliance.”
Mashatile said the ANC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) will meet in January to discuss, among other issues, the implications of people with dual memberships between the two parties.
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