BOSA rules out joining GNU if EFF, MK Party form part of coalition

JOHANNESBURG - Build One South Africa (BOSA) has ruled out joining the Government of National Unity (GNU) should the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and MK Party form part of the coalition.

This comes after the African National Congress (ANC) resolved to consider broadening the GNU by including additional opposition parties.

The ruling party’s decision was influenced by the fact that several parties that supported the passing of the national budget signaled interest in joining the unity government.

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Speaking at a media briefing in Johannesburg on Thursday BOSA leader Mmusi Maimane confirmed that his party had not yet received a formal invitation to take part.

Maimane said that he could not fathom how a coalition government could function effectively if its members hardly agreed on anything.

"We can’t govern simply with people just for ministers. It requires a plan that is deliberate and that explains how we will deliver for the people of this country. If we don’t have a basis of agreement, what then is the purpose of governing?"

He said if the EFF and MK Party ever joined the GNU, his political party would gladly remain in Parliament’s opposition benches.

"Adding political parties like MK and many others will complicate the issue and make it impossible for us to be part of what will become of parties that are not ideologically or governmentally coherent."

The ANC has proposed expanding the GNU, but it remains uncertain whether it will actually implement the plan.

Some coalition members argue that expanding the coalition would not improve its tense relationship with the DA, which continues to impact the GNU's stability.