As the country celebrates Mandela Day, President Cyril Ramaphosa assures citizens that the Government of National Unity (GNU) will deliver a better, more equal, and more just South Africa.
“In an act that is unprecedented in our democratic history, ten political parties represented here in our Parliament have agreed to craft a common programme to build a better, more equal, and more just South Africa,” he said.
He noted that, despite their disagreements, these parties came together because they shared a vision of a united, wealthy, and inclusive nation.
The GNU is comprised of ten political parties, including the African National Congress (ANC), Democratic Alliance (DA), Patriotic Alliance, IFP, Good Party, Pan Africanist Congress (PAC), Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus), United Democratic Movement (UDM), Al Jama-ah, and Rise Mzansi.
Ramaphosa presented the opening address to Parliament on Thursday night in Cape Town, Western Cape.
The speech takes place during the seventh administration of the new government.
The country has a number of challenges, including high unemployment, crime, corruption, gender-based violence and injustice against women and children, racism, and inequality.
This does not just apply to water and electricity disruptions in many sections of the country.
Ramaphosa stated that they will address all problems.
According to Ramaphosa, the GNU arose as a result of residents’ refusal to grant any party a majority vote in the 2024 elections.
He stated that this was a signal from citizens that they (political parties) wished to work together to safeguard the country’s unity.
“Through their votes, they determined that the leaders of our country should set aside their political differences and come together as one to overcome the severe challenges that confront our nation,” he said.
“They sent a clear message that without unity, cooperation, and partnership, our efforts to end poverty, unemployment, and inequality will not succeed.”
The GNU is already in motion, a cabinet has been formed and ministers have been given their roles.
