Written by: Errol Naidoo
Thirty years after the birth of South Africa’s democratic dispensation, the nation entered a new era of government by coalition as no political party secured a majority in the Elections. On 14 June 2024, the newly elected 400 members of the National Assembly were sworn in and a Speaker, Deputy Speaker and State President elected by the 7th Parliament.
The final Government of National Unity (GNU) agreement was signed by the ANC and DA at the first sitting of the 7th Parliament at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. The GNU agreement stipulates, the ANC and DA will cooperate in both the Executive and Legislature which means it will share ministerial appointments and key posts in Parliament.
The outworking of the GNU agreement was immediately evident when ANC MP, Thoko Didiza was elected Speaker with the help of the DA – and DA MP, Annelie Lotriet was elected Deputy Speaker with the support of the ANC. Cyril Ramaphosa was re-elected President by 283 votes to Julius Malema’s 44 votes – with the support of GNU MP’s.
Although it is the President’s prerogative to appoint Ministers and Deputy Ministers in his Cabinet, the GNU agreement also stipulates he must do so in consultation with the other parties in the GNU and is required to “consider the outcomes of the General Elections.”
And while the details of the GNU agreement are being hammered out, the MK party joined an opposition pact called the “Progressive Caucus” consisting of the EFF, UDM, ATM, Al Jama-Ah, UAT and PAC. Former president, Jacob Zuma announced, the MK party lodged an application with the Electoral Court to set aside the Election results and order a re-run.
The ANC/DA/IFP coalition kept the MK and EFF out in Gauteng and KZN provinces. The coalition elected the IFP’s Thami Ntuli as KZN Premier with the support of the NFP. ANC MPL, Ntobeko Boyce was elected Speaker and the DA’s Mmabatho Tembe Deputy-Speaker in the KZN legislature. The ANC’s Panyaza Lesufi was elected Gauteng Premier.
President Ramaphosa will take the oath of office on 19 June and begin consultations with the DA and IFP on the composition of the Executive and ministerial appointments. The Cabinet posts of Finance, Police, Justice, Education, Health, Home Affairs, Social Development and Public Enterprises will be fiercely contested. We need a total overhaul.
Christian citizens must earnestly pray that God will intervene and guide the selection process of Cabinet Ministers. South Africa has the potential to revive its ailing economy and create jobs. But corruption, incompetence and maladministration must be eradicated.
Once the Executive are appointed, the economic and social policies of the GNU must be agreed to. This will involve intense negotiations between the ANC, DA and IFP partners.
For example, the DA vehemently opposed the “National Health Insurance” (NHI) Bill which Ramaphosa signed into law just prior to the Elections. However, government must raise revenue of R250 billion to implement the system – and the only way it can do that is by increasing taxes. But the DA will not agree to this, so the NHI remains law – but dormant.
The DA also opposed the “Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill.” Ramaphosa signed it into law just before the Elections. So, the way forward does appear contentious. Tragically, however, the DA agrees with the ANC on LGBTQ indoctrination in education. This will mean the public will have a critical role to play in policy renewal in the GNU.
The “Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill” was also signed into law prior to the Elections. The DA strongly objected to this Bill on a number of grounds. Former Deputy Minister of Justice, John Jeffery erroneously claimed, “white Afrikaners are the biggest perpetrators of hate crimes and hate speech in SA” – thereby necessitating the “Hate Crimes Bill.”
We must pray John Jeffrey will not be re-appointed. He also championed the “Sexual Offenses Amendment Bill” that will effectively decriminalise the entire sex-industry in SA. The Dept of Justice ignored the recommendations of a 9-year investigation (it commissioned) by the SA Law Reform Commission (SALRC) on Prostitution Law Reform.
The “Sexual Offenses Amendment Bill” and “Single Marriage Bill” were not finalised in the last administration. This means it can be reworked in parliamentary portfolio committees.
Family Policy Institute (FPI) has much work to do in the next six months. We will monitor these Bills, keep citizens informed and mobilize the public to amplify its voice in Parliament. We have a unique opportunity to effect change as a result of the GNU.
No political party has a majority in the 7th Parliament. You and I must ensure the collective voice of the citizens of SA will constitute the majority and determine policy outcomes.
Remain in faith, pray fervently and speak up when required. Your prayers, partnership and participation make the difference. Talking about speaking up, please view my latest video on the Woolworths “pride” saga and share it with all your contacts. God bless you.
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Date published: 18/06/2024
Feature image: Image for illustrative purposes only. Artwork from: pixabay.com
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