ANC appoints task team to ensure incoming govt of national unity functions effectively

JOHANNESBURG - The African National Congress (ANC) has appointed a task team to develop a framework, modalities, and principles to ensure the incoming government of national unity functions effectively.

Political parties represented in Parliament are set to co-govern with the ANC after the party failed to retain its majority.

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At a meeting in Boksburg on Thursday, the ANC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) deemed a government of national unity as South Africa’s most viable option.

In August, Deputy President Paul Mashatile hosted a national dialogue on coalition governments. However, a framework to regulate coalitions is yet to be adopted.

The cities of Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni, and Tshwane, where multiple political parties are governing the metros together, have seen several tussles and disputes over leadership positions.

The power squabbles at local government have been attributed to the failure to establish a framework on coalitions.

But ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa said the 7th administration would try and avoid similar chaos.

“We have agreed as the NEC that this is both necessary and strategic, that we act in a manner that seeks to unite the broadest range of social forces, and isolate those that seek to cause chaos, instability, and division.”

Ramaphosa proposed that coalition agreements be put in writing and made accessible to the public.