UDM says door still open for talks on joining GNU

JOHANNESBURG - The United Democratic Movement (UDM) says it has left the door open to tag onto the Government of National Unity (GNU) as political parties continue to weigh their options.

Five parties have already joined the African National Congress (ANC) in the GNU, including the Democratic Alliance (DA), the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), and the Patriotic Alliance (PA).

Parties on the outside of the power-sharing agreement have since formed a rival pact, the Progressive Caucus.

While the UDM is part of the Progressive Caucus, party leader Bantu Holomisa said it was still mulling the pros and cons.

"In principle, we have no problem at all with the GNU coalition. Fortunately, the UDM is in coalition in greater Joburg with the ANC, is in coalition with the DA in Cape Town since 2000 and again in Nelson Mandela, as well as the IFP. So, we have no issue with working with other parties."