As Mashatile announces date of first GNU dialogue, Zille accuses ANC of unilateral decision-making

CAPE TOWN - Deputy President Paul Mashatile has announced 16 December as the first dialogue of the Government of National Unity (GNU)'s national dialogue.

But already the announcement has sparked the ire of its main coalition partner, with the Democratic Alliance (DA) federal council chairperson Helen Zille complaining about not being consulted.

Mashatile has on Thursday been convening the second meeting of the GNU clearing house mechanism set up to iron out policy disputes between parties. 

He said a special Cabinet meeting will be convened next week to discuss the national dialogue.

READ: Mashatile to chair GNU 'clearing house mechanism' meeting

The dialogue is meant to devise a blueprint of the key focus areas the GNU will collectively work towards over their five-year term.

"So we felt the sooner the cabinet discusses the matter, the better. But the real dialogue is proposed for next year. You will hear when the proposal is presented," said Mashatile. 

READ: Non-ANC GNU members cry foul after exclusion from BRICS Summit delegation

Soon after the announcement was made, Zillle accused the African National Congress (ANC) of making a unilateral decision.

On her X account, Zille said the DA made it clear from the onset of GNU negotiations, that the national dialogue must be a joint initiative, planned and executed by the key GNU governance partners.

The meeting of the GNU clearing house was meant to finalise its terms of reference and receive a briefing from the presidency on the preparations for the national dialogue.