ActionSA is disturbed that the Statement of Intent supports the ANC and DA to be the decision-makers of the Government of National Unity.
This comes as the party stated that the sufficient consensus for decision-making was 60% of the National Assembly seats, which may mean that the ANC and DA can finalise a decision together.
The ANC has secured 159 parliamentary seats, totaling 40.18% of the national vote, while the DA has secured 21.8% with 87 seats.
Grand coalition
Michael Beaumont, ActionSA national chairperson, told Sunday World that clause 19.3 indicated that this was not a GNU as expressed in public but a grand coalition between the ANC and DA into which other parties have joined to enjoy what he described as the luxuries of government.
Herman Mashaba, ActionSA leader, said the Statement of Intent did not zoom into the particular division of ministries among the GNU partners but highlighted a framework for partners.
As such, the statement of intent does not give a ratio on party versus cabinet positions.
“ActionSA expressed its concern that news emanating from the negotiations appears to be producing a larger cabinet, predetermined agreements regarding votes on any instrument to hold the president to account, and one in which political parties appear to be seeking unilateral powers to politically appoint senior civil servants,” said Mashaba.
The party also found that the statement of intent had principles that meant well for the people of South Africa based on the Constitution.
Broad principles
However, these principles were deemed too broad, despite having markedly different ideas on how to achieve them.
Mashaba said even after the detailed meeting with the ANC, they remained a constructive opposition party to the government and raised concerns over opposition parties that have decided to leap into the GNU.
“We fear that a desire to keep the coalition in power and retain the privileges and benefits associated with their newfound positions will come at the cost of accountability when, inevitably, decisions are made in self-interest.
“ActionSA acknowledged the imperative for a responsible governing arrangement bringing stability to the country but indicated that it would not be signing up to the arrangement,” said Mashaba.
Being a constructive opposition party, Mashaba said they confronted the ANC during the meeting that ActionSA would be available to advise on issues that involves serving South Africans but equally dish out accountability where necessary.
