Rise Mzansi believes it made the right decision to join GNU

CAPE TOWN - Political newcomer, Rise Mzansi, says it believes it made the right decision to join the Government of National Unity (GNU) as its first foray into politics.
 
But its leader, Songezo Zibi, said that the two biggest parties, the African National Congress (ANC) and Democratic Alliance (DA), need to "grow up" if they are going to keep the pact together. 
 
Speaking to the media at Parliament on Thursday, Zibi said that while the unlikely political bedfellows would not always be able to reach a consensus, the public squabbling won't foster cohesion within the GNU.
 
It's a two-man political outfit in Parliament, but Zibi said the party’s role within the GNU and the legislature was allowing it to deliver to its supporters. 
 
Zibi, who chairs the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) and seasoned politician, Makashule Gana, said although they don’t hold executive positions, they had an overseer role to play. 
 
Zibi, however, does not approve of political spats behind closed doors becoming public fodder. 
 
"So, our message to the partners in the GNU: The two big partners, they need to grow up and put the interests of the South African people first."
 
Zibi said he hopes the national dialogue, which is slated for 16 December, will allow GNU parties to find consensus on contested issues.
 
"Differences on the basis of policy are natural and they will continue to happen, between the ANC and the DA, and ourselves and other political parties."
 
Zibi said that his party remains committed to holding the executive accountable despite being part of the governing coalition.