Has the 'secretive' retreat brought GNU together?

The “secretive” two-day retreat at the Cradle of Humankind, where President Cyril Ramaphosa urged Government of National Unity (GNU) leaders to increase cooperation, has ended, according to confirmation from the Presidency. 

The retreat, which brought together leaders from 10 political parties, focused on tackling unemployment, poverty, the cost of living, crime, corruption and the delivery of services.

The meeting took place in Gauteng and concluded on Monday.

According to the Presidency, the leaders met to reflect on progress in implementing the priorities identified in the GNU’s Statement of Intent, discuss national and international issues, and address critical challenges facing the country.

The meeting was led by Ramaphosa and Deputy President Paul Mashatile (ANC), and attended by John Steenhuisen (DA), Velenkosini Hlabisa (IFP), Gayton McKenzie (PA), Corné Mulder (FF Plus), Bantu Holomisa (UDM), Songezo Zibi (Rise Mzansi), Ganief Hendricks (Al Jama-ah), Mzwanele Nyhontso (PAC) and Brett Herron (Good).

In a joint media statement, the 10 parties said the leaders were unanimous that the GNU “is united and strong.”

“The meeting agreed that this forum of party leaders would meet regularly to provide strategic political direction to the work of the GNU.”

The statement acknowledged difficulties in the functioning of the GNU, most notably around the 2025 budget process. 

The DA, a member of the GNU, initially opposed the budget, but it was later passed.

“However, it has drawn important lessons from these experiences and will ensure more effective consultation in developing fiscal priorities and frameworks.”

“All parties reaffirmed their full commitment to the GNU as a reflection of the will of voters as an instrument to advance the interests of all South Africans.”

The leaders said that over the 16 months since signing the Statement of Intent, the GNU has provided stability and leadership to the country.

“It remains focused on resolving the concerns of the South African people: unemployment, poverty, the cost of living, crime, corruption and delivery of services.”

They added that the GNU has successfully brought together parties from different political traditions to pursue a common programme aimed at driving inclusive growth and job creation, tackling poverty and the cost of living, and building a capable developmental state.

“Guided by the basic minimum programme of priorities contained in the Statement of Intent, the GNU has adopted the Medium Term Development Plan (MTDP) as a transformative vision and programme for the five years of this administration.”

According to the leaders, the GNU has established a platform for inclusive growth through reforms in energy, logistics, telecommunications, water and visas.

It has “embarked on a massive infrastructure build and maintenance drive; as part of the response to tariff increases, worked to diversify exports and expand into new and existing markets; prioritised the expansion of early childhood development and strengthening the foundational years of learning.”

They GNU has also provided “work and livelihood opportunities to young people on an unprecedented scale through public employment programmes; sustained spending to support poor households even amid severe financial constraints; maintained macroeconomic stability, achieved a primary budget surplus and pursued a responsible fiscal path to reduce the country’s debt burden so that more resources can be shifted to productive investment; worked to rebuild the law enforcement agencies and other public institutions in the wake of state capture that has continued under the GNU.”

The leaders said that efforts to remove South Africa from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list, alongside legislative reforms and the work of the Special Investigating Unit, have strengthened the country’s ability to prevent, investigate and prosecute corruption and serious crime. They added that the GNU has continued to position South Africa as a constructive player in regional and international peace and stability.

“There is a growing recognition that peacekeeping today requires a more holistic knowledge-driven approach that integrates security, development and diplomacy.”

The leaders also noted South Africa’s upcoming G20 presidency, held under the theme “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability.”

“Therefore, through solidarity, as South Africa, we aim to achieve a future that is people-centred, development-oriented and inclusive.”

While acknowledging “significant progress over the last 16 months,” the leaders said the work underway must be accelerated so that its impact “can be felt by all South Africans.”

They agreed to prioritise several key areas within the MTDP, including ensuring greater urgency in implementing government programmes, streamlining processes and structures, and further professionalising and depoliticising the public service.

Other priorities include “developing a food security plan to address the dire situation of hunger affecting many households and communities across the country; a comprehensive and far-reaching strategy for skills development and the creation of work experience and livelihood opportunities for young people.”

The leaders also committed to mobilising law enforcement and security services to combat gangsterism and organised crime, appointing capable and ethical leadership in the criminal justice system, and ensuring that national and provincial governments intervene more effectively where municipalities fail to deliver.

They further agreed to “undertake a comprehensive response to illegal immigration, including strengthening border management and expanding economic opportunities for South Africans; improving oversight and coordination of state-owned enterprises and setting minimum standards for board appointments.”

The leaders discussed the need for continued engagement on South Africa’s international relations to develop a common understanding of the national interest.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana briefed the meeting on the state of the economy and its impact on the fiscal outlook and priorities.

“The leaders reflected on the commitment in the Statement of Intent to an all-inclusive National Dialogue, which brings together all South Africans to address the challenges facing the nation.”

“The meeting noted the progress made by the Eminent Persons Group in establishing the Steering Committee responsible for coordinating local and sectoral dialogues throughout the country.”

The Leaders Forum ratified the terms of reference for the GNU Clearing House Mechanism, described as critical to ensuring the GNU functions optimally and in line with the Statement of Intent.

“The Leaders Forum agreed that the Clearing House Mechanism is a working group of the GNU, and that its primary tasks are to address policy and related areas of possible divergence within the GNU.”

The leaders also congratulated the Proteas women’s cricket team for reaching the finals of the ICC Women’s World Cup.

“This achievement provides inspiration to sports women across all sporting codes and follows the achievements of other national teams.”

The statement concluded that the GNU “is now more cohesive, determined and focused than ever before.”

“The GNU is focused on urgency and action, and remains true to its fundamental purpose: to serve the interests and meet the needs of all South Africans,” it said.

IOL