President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Monday as political parties finalise the modalities of the Government of National Unity (GNU), guided by the Statement of Intent, the days and weeks that lie ahead will be crucial.

After losing its outright majority in the 2024 national and provincial elections, the African National Congress (ANC) was forced to form a coalition government with the help of other opposition parties.

As of Sunday, the GNU consists of ten parties: the ANC, the Democratic Alliance, Inkatha Freedom Party, the GOOD party, the Patriotic Alliance, the Pan Africanist Congress of Azania, the Freedom Front Plus, the United Democratic Movement, Rise Mzansi and Al Jama-ah.

Ramaphosa wrote in his weekly letter to the nation that the formation of the GNU is a momentous development in South Africa’s democracy, saying every effort must be made to ensure that it remains true to its founding spirit of collaboration in good faith to drive a programme that improves the lives of South Africans.

He noted that the success of the GNU will be measured by the extent to which parties are prepared to focus how they will govern together, rather than on who governs.

There are reports of tensions in the GNU as Cabinet positions are considered.

Ramaphosa noted that the country’s hopes are pinned on the success of the GNU.

“Our stated commitment to work together constructively and for South Africa’s benefit has generated a great deal of goodwill that we should not squander. South Africans are watching. We should not waste our energies on those who stand in the way of our country’s progress or lose momentum over differences that can be resolved,” he said.

He said parties in the GNU need to demonstrate in word and deed that their programme is “clear, coherent and sustainable”, that their collaboration is genuine, and that the interests of the people will always come first.

He explained that the GNU Statement of Intent provides a solid base for genuine cooperation between parties across the political spectrum, all of which, he noted, have signed up of their own accord.

“The Statement of Intent commits the signatories to a set of foundational principles that include respect for constitutionalism; accountability, transparency and community participation in government; evidence-based policy and decision-making; professionalisation of the public service; integrity and good governance,” Ramaphosa highlighted.

He said parties to the GNU have agreed on priorities for the incoming administration, noting that at the top of the list of priorities is the achievement of rapid, inclusive and sustainable economic growth to create jobs. 

“It will be critical that the GNU stays the course on the structural reform that is underway to improve the business operating environment and establish South Africa as an investment destination of choice. These reforms are necessary to resolve longstanding challenges in key industries and create more jobs and opportunities. We will need to build on the progress that has already been made, while accelerating the pace of reform,” he added.

He said the fact that there is broad consensus among the parties on the priorities of the incoming administration gives encouragement that the GNU will indeed take the country forward.