The governing ANC will disclose on Tuesday which coalition partners the party would take on board to run the central government and other hanging provinces after this week’s national and provincial elections, ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula says.
Speaking to the media at the national results operation centre in Midrand on Sunday, Mbalula announced that a meeting of the party’s national executive committee, which would receive feedback on how the horse-trading with other parties had gone and what bargaining issues were on the table, would precede the big Tuesday announcement.
Results show significant decline
He said that while the ANC had won the most votes in this election, the results showed a significant decline in ANC support from previous elections.
“While there are several factors that have contributed to the decline in support, the results send a clear message to the ANC. We wish to assure the people of South Africa that we have heard them. We have heard their concerns, their frustrations, and their dissatisfaction,” he said.
He said that over the last six years, the ANC had been engaged in a process of renewal and revitalisation that was not yet complete, and the election results showed that the party needed to intensify and accelerate the fundamental renewal of its movement.
“We want to assure the people of South Africa that the ANC will not turn its back on renewal. On this matter, on the renewal and rebuilding of our movement, we will not compromise.”
Government reflecting people’s will
Mbalula said the ANC was committed to the formation of a government that reflected the will of the people, was stable, and was able to govern effectively. The party also committed to pursuing a path of fundamental social and economic change, for which it had received a firm mandate.
“Over the next few days, the ANC will be having discussions within the organisation and with other parties and stakeholders on how best to establish national and provincial governments that reflect the will of the people and that are able to take the country forward,” he said.
He said South African voters have demonstrated that they expect the leaders of this country to work together in the best interests of all. “We will continue to act responsibly, progressively, and, at all times, in the interests of the people of South Africa.”
