'There's no way the GNU cannot support transformation' - ANC's Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri
The DA has accused the ANC and President Cyril Ramaphosa of ignoring it and other partners in the GNU when it comes to the signing of bills into law.
FILE: The DA and ANC entered into an arrangement in the Government of National Unity. Picture: GCIS
Tshidi Madia is joined by Willie Aukamp, DA National Spokesperson and Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri, ANC spokesperson, to discuss the tensions between GNU partners.
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Staying in the marriage for the sake of the kids.
That's how one political commentator has described the Democratic Alliance's current position within the Government of National Unity (GNU).
This week, DA leader John Steenhuisen reaffirmed his party's commitment to the GNU but admitted frustration with the African National Congress (ANC) regarding key decision-making processes.
President Cyril Ramaphosa and Steenhuisen were scheduled to meet on Tuesday evening before the planned Cabinet lekgotla on Wednesday afternoon.
Aucamp says a meeting between the two is crucial before the lekgotla.
"Because there are issues that the two leaders in the two biggest parties in the GNU must discuss with each other."
Willie Aukamp, National Spokesperson - Democratic Alliance
The DA has accused the African National Congress (ANC) and President Cyril Ramaphosa of ignoring it and other GNU partners when signing bills into law.
Steenhuisen says the GNU statement of intent requires consultation with all parties on any matters, including previously passed bills.
However, in a recent media statement, ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula said that clause 19 of the GNU statement of intent did not apply to legislation passed by the previous administration.
"We are not expecting the President to do stuff that he should not do. We are just asking him to respect the decisions of the Memorandum of Understanding that was signed when the GNU came into effect. And respect the fact there must be sufficient consensus."
Willie Aukamp, National Spokesperson - Democratic Alliance
Four parties in the GNU have expressed unhappiness with the recent signing of the expropriation bill - the DA, Freedom Front Plus, Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) and Patriotic Alliance (PA).
The ANC's Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri says the ANC has long pursued issues around transformation, and they exist in a continuum.
She says such matters cannot be completed in five years, and they are not subject to negotiation simply because of the formation of the GNU.
"The statement [of intent] is very clear, [the] GNU will not tamper with policies related to transformation and redress and we'll continue to pursue a transformation path."
Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri, Spokesperson - African National Congress
"There's no way the GNU cannot support transformation."
Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri, Spokesperson - African National Congress