Presidency finds it 'disturbing' that parties threaten to ditch GNU when disputes arise
This concern comes in response to Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen's statement suggesting the future of the GNU could be at risk if the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill is signed into law.
The DA and ANC entered into an arrangement in the Government of National Unity. Picture: GCIS
JOHANNESBURG - The spokesperson in The Presidency, Vincent Magwenya, says he finds it troubling that some individuals threaten to withdraw from the Government of National Unity (GNU) when disputes arise.
This concern comes in response to Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen's statement suggesting the future of the GNU could be at risk if the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill is signed into law.
The BELA legislation seeks to change the way the basic education sector operates. Among others, it will see Grade R introduced permanently as the new school-starting age in schools and do away with corporal punishment among others.
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Although the DA is part of the GNU, it is strongly opposed to the bill, which the African National Congress (ANC) supports.
During a media briefing in Cape Town on Wednesday, Magwenya emphasised the critical need for effective dispute resolution mechanisms within the GNU.
"It is disturbing that whenever there is a dispute, you will hear threats being made to the stability of the GNU. It is disturbing because such threats are not only directed to the president, they are directed to the stability of the country, they are threats directed to South Africans. The GNU must remain stable, it must remain united."