Rise Mzansi argues expanding GNU would not resolve internal divisions
The African National Congress recently proposed inviting some opposition parties to join the Government of National Unity, more especially those that supported the passing of the national budget
FILE: Chairperson of Parliament's Standing Committee on Public Accounts, Songezo Zibi. Picture: Parliament/Zwelethemba Kostile.
JOHANNESBURG - The proposal to expand the Government of National Unity (GNU) has drawn mixed reactions, with Rise Mzansi arguing that this proposal would not resolve the internal divisions.
The African National Congress (ANC) recently proposed inviting some opposition parties to join the GNU, more especially those that supported the passing of the national budget.
Since its formation, the GNU has faced several challenges, including a budget deadlock and disputes over various pieces of legislation.
While Rise Mzansi leader Songezo Zibi is not against the idea of expanding the GNU, he said the coalition should first focus on strengthening its foundation.
"We need to change the current agreement and make it a mutually binding agreement amongst all the political parties. We have obligations in terms of how we behave. We have obligations in terms of what our minimum political programme is going to be. We cannot repeat the mess we had with the budget."
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He said expanding the GNU shouldn't be a priority at this stage.
"We are not opposed to the idea of other parties joining the GNU but without a minimum political programme, we also don’t know who can be part of the arrangement or not in terms of driving in one direction. For example, there are parties with lots of criminally accused people. So what do we do know if they want to join the GNU? We’re going to end up with a problem."