ANC on MK Party's snubbing of coalition talks: 'Our door remains open'
So far, ANC officials have engaged delegations from the Democratic Alliance, Inkatha Freedom Party, Economic Freedom Fighters, National Freedom Party and Patriotic Alliance.
Members of the MK Party sing and chant outside the Constitutional Court hearing in Johannesburg on 10 May 2024 over their leader and former President Jacob Zuma’s eligibility to stand for Parliament. Picture: AFP
JOHANNEBSURG – The African National Congress (ANC) says the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has snubbed coalition talks as parties scramble to agree on a power-sharing deal.
The ANC suffered a humiliating loss at the May 29 polls and is currently shopping around for coalition partners.
On Tuesday, the party’s national working committee met to deliberate on the outcomes of some of the coalition talks – which are still in their early stages.
So far, ANC officials have engaged delegations from the Democratic Alliance, Inkatha Freedom Party, Economic Freedom Fighters, National Freedom Party and Patriotic Alliance.
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ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said the MK Party was yet to come to the party.
“The national officials reported to the national working committee that the ANC has repeatedly reached out to the MK Party for an engagement party, with no positive party. Our door remains open as we continue to reach out to MK Party.”
Bhengu-Motsiri, once again, made a call for parties to set petty politics aside.
“Our story is a story of speaking to everyone in the interest of a consensus, in the interest of a national dialogue in our country.”
While Parliament is required to hold its first sitting within two weeks after the election result is declared to elect a new president, the ANC says there are no clear timelines to conclude coalition talks.
SACP FROWNS UPON COALITION WITH DA
Meanwhile, ANC's alliance partner, South African Communist Party, refuses to support any coalition government that involves the ANC governing with the DA.
Speaking at a media briefing on Wednesday, SACP general secretary Solly Mapaila noted better options than the DA.
“We’ll support a minority government with features of a Government of National Unity – without the role and participation DA-led forces. So, we are clear about our anti-capitalist trajectory.”
The SACP has been one of two alliance partners of the ANC since the early 90s.