ActionSA meets with ANC to communicate commitment to being constructive opposition

25 June 2024

Today ActionSA met with the ANC to discuss the governance outlook for South Africa following the 2024 national and provincial elections.

The meeting was cordial with both parties reflecting on the election with humility and focussing on the question of how the best interests of the country could best be served in arrangements going forward in the context of an election result where no party received an outright majority. This necessitates parties working together, albeit in varying forms and not just by all parties entering government.

ActionSA recognised the ANC emerging as the largest party in South Africa and complimented the manner in which it had moved to address the question of stability in our country.

The ANC took ActionSA through the statement of intent behind the self-titled Government of National Unity and it was recognised that many of the principles contained in the document are sound principles notwithstanding that many of those principles lend themselves to divergent interpretations.

In response to the efforts to establish a grand coalition, ActionSA acknowledged the imperative for a responsible governing arrangement bringing stability to the country but indicated that it would not be signing up to the arrangement.

ActionSA conveyed its concern for a scenario in which most opposition parties took up the invitation to join the ANC/DA grand coalition, rendering them conflicted. We fear that a desire to keep the coalition in power – and retain the privileges and benefits associated with their newfound positions – will come at the cost of accountability when inevitably decisions are made in self-interest.

Of particular emphasis by ActionSA was the matter of good governance. ActionSA expressed its concern that news emanating from the negotiations appear to be producing a larger cabinet, predetermined agreements regarding votes on any instrument to hold the President to account, and one in which political parties appear to be seeking unilateral powers to politically appoint senior civil servants.

ActionSA took the opportunity to outline its plans to be a ‘constructive unofficial opposition’ to the ANC/DA grand coalition, explaining that ActionSA’s support was available to be canvassed on an issue-by-issue basis for any proposal that meritoriously served the people of South Africa. The other side of this understanding was conveyed that when accountability was required, ActionSA would dish it out without fear or favour as an uncompromised opposition party.

ActionSA was pleased by the tone of the meeting and the opening of previously closed communication lines. We remain committed to using our representation in the National Assembly and Provincial Legislatures to serve the national interest.

Issued by Herman Mashaba, ActionSA President, 25 June 2024