PARTIES in the Government of National Unity (GNU) have expressed themselves on the inclusion of their proposals in the State of the Nation Address (SONA) that was delivered by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Friday.
Ramaphosa had to make a balancing act in accommodating the many proposals from the GNU partners amid disappointment and happiness among others.
This happened as the DA recently declared a dispute with Ramaphosa in a move to reset the relationship after the signing of the Expropriation Act, inclusion of the NHI in the Medium-Term Development Plan, and the failure to set up effective dispute resolution mechanisms in the coalition government.
Speaking on the SONA, the DA leader John Steenhuisen said he was extremely proud that their policies were front and centre in Ramaphosa’s address.
He stated that DA-led initiatives were highlighted and acknowledged as key drivers of progress and reform.
“This recognition affirms the vital role that the DA has played in shaping government policy across the spectrum of governance. From national government to municipal level, our ministers and representatives have been at the forefront of the reforms necessary for economic growth, job creation, and service delivery,” Steenhuisen said.
He also said he was particularly proud that the work of DA ministers was highlighted in the SONA.
“Across various portfolios, our ministers have been instrumental in pushing reforms that will pave the way for a more prosperous, inclusive, and competitive South Africa.”
Steenhuisen said the DA’s inclusion as a key coalition partner in the GNU has shifted South Africa onto a fundamentally different path in less than a year.
“We will continue to use our influence to shift the president’s continued commitment to the Transformation Fund and the Public Procurement Act. These policies, in their current form, threaten to undermine our goal of creating a South Africa where work is available to all citizens.
“We will continue to use our influence to address some of the problematic policies that are not promoting jobs and growth. Once again, I am proud to lead a party whose contributions are being recognised at the highest level. The DA’s policies and our ongoing efforts in government are shaping the future of South Africa,” he said.
Rise Mzansi leader Songezo Zibi said although his party was a GNU partner outside of the executive, they welcomed the inclusion of some of their proposals around independent train operators and prioritising water infrastructure.
“What we have also long spoken about is the need for government to protect and incentivise whistle-blowers. The announcement on legislation in this regard is therefore welcome,” Zibi said.
He also said Ramaphosa had addressed the country as the leader of all South Africans, not just his political party.
“Rise Mzansi will support the president and his government where they are effective, while holding the GNU accountable when they fail the people of South Africa,” Zibi said.
However, Freedom Front Plus parliamentary leader Corne Mulder said their hope that Ramaphosa would put South Africa to serve as an impetus for the GNU had been dashed.
“What was meant to offer hope for the future, instead raised questions about the president’s intention to treat the parties in the GNU as equal governing partners.
“President Ramaphosa once again conducted himself as the president of the ANC and its cohorts who have the National Democratic Revolution as a common goal. South Africa and its people come after that,” he said.
Mulder said Ramaphosa again unilaterally committed the country to fighting for the Palestinian cause and proceeding with its action against Israel in the International Criminal Court.
He noted that the few rays of hope brought about by the GNU partners were highlighted as the government’s only achievements.
“All the undertakings and promises, such as the large investments that will, according to the president, start flowing into the country soon, are old news for South Africans.
“There is no sign of it actually happening, though. President Ramaphosa’s promises no longer offer the people any hope.”