It is possible to dump the government of national unity (GNU) if the party is no longer satisfied with its policies, said political expert Thokozani Chilenga-Butao.
Chilenga-Butao said this after the ANC-led GNU secured enough votes for the formation of the new government.
The signatures come from the Democratic Alliance (DA), Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), GOOD, and Patriotic Alliance (PA), which equals 68% of seats in the National Assembly.
Allowed to opt out
She said the formation of the GNU was out of hope and belief that political parties would cooperate, but if one party was unsatisfied before the next general elections, they were allowed to opt out.
The University of Witwatersrand Political Studies lecturer said it was also unnecessary at this point to debate the Statement of Intent to participate in the GNU as it has already been formed.
“Assuming that enough signatures needed for the formation have been confirmed, it then becomes unnecessary for others to come to the party unless they do it from the sense of inclusion and share similar policies,” said Chilenga-Butao.
“Political parties have been approached, and they are taking their time to give their response, probably because they are uninterested or they want to challenge a few issues, at this point there is not much they can do,” she added.
Chilenga-Butao said parties that have taken their time to sign before the official formation of the GNU are rather attempting to delay the process.
Recognition as a collective
She said the Economic Freedom Fighters, which is now a part of the Progressive Caucus, has shown little interest to the GNU and further discussions after the formation of GNU would only be to have more parties on board.
The Progressive Caucus, which includes the EFF, Al Jama-Ah, Pan Africanist Congress of Azania (PAC), MK Party, United African Transformation, and United Democratic Movement, has been debating that they should be approached as a collective and not individuals for their consideration of GNU.
“Other parties may delay signing the agreement, and we do not have a deadline as yet, but what we should consider is that not any more signatures are needed, the Government of National Unity has already been formed.
“We should also remember that no matter how many parties join the agreement, it is not possible that they will agree to anything and everything that comes up, it all requires cooperation,” said Chilenga-Butao.
She said this agreement does not automatically secure every party a seat in the cabinet, as she considers the attempt “physically impossible” but expects everything to be revealed as President Cyril Ramaphosa makes appointments.
