By Lesedi Sibiya-Diplomatic Insider 

The Government of National Unity (GNU) is looking to expand its membership to other parties, most notably ActionSA may come into the fold. 

Currently the GNU comprises 10 parties as the National Executive Committee had resolved to include more parties within the coalition government. 

ActionSA are of the belief that current size of the cabinet is “bloated” and have expressed that it will not join the GNU until there is a downsizing within the cabinet. 

“And we flatly refused, we said look there is no point, you have over 70% parliamentary support, you want to neutralize us from being an effective opposition. We will never allow anyone to take that right from us to hold the GNU accountable. We will, however, talk to the ANC, in the event that the GNU collapses and leaves the country in a vulnerable position.” said Herman Mashaba, who is the leader of ActionSA.

 “ActionSA will not participate in this bloated government, so if the ANC is not prepared to substantially reduce the size of the cabinet, I would really urge and I am requesting them with all due respect, please don’t waste your time to come and talk to ActionSA.” Mashaba added. 

South Africa seems to be facing increasing vulnerability with the coalition, and even though President Ramaphosa maintains that the GNU is necessary and functional, there has also been evidence suggesting otherwise due to already having disagreements over the budget this year which has been revised a total of three times, something that has not happened since South Africa has come into democracy. 

Coupled with disagreements on foreign policies and internal struggles between parties more specifically between the ANC and the Democratic Alliance (DA) which is the second biggest party in the GNU.

This begs the question of whether the coalition government is indeed a sustainable solution for the country or if it leaves it vulnerable.

There are some beneficial attributes to having a coalition government, one of them being that it forces those who are within government to hold each other accountable instead of co-conspiring with one another as that is most likely when one party is in governance. 

The down side is that it can cause disagreements which could cause misalignment in terms of progressively moving forward as a singular unit, as well people serving their own agendas when it comes to decision making. 

ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula addressed media yesterday on the NEC’s decision to expand the GNU, but did not mention whether or not parties like Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) or Umkhonto Wesizwe (MK) would be asked to join. 

Although there is a consensus that the GNU is a temporary solution to governance given the fractured electoral mandate, it still holds positive outcomes in its first 12 months. Mbalula made mention that the GNU is the correct course towards upholding ANC’s transformation mandate.

“The GNU is an instrument for nation building, governance, inclusive development and championing the ANC’s transformation agenda.” 

 Mbalula also commented on the DA being a mischievous force within the GNU and has accused the DA for being the reason the relations between the SA and the US are not at an optimum position.

 “The ANC affirms that the GNU is a correct tactical intervention for the country for reasons of stabilizing the country politically and economically. The DA political mischief we see from time to time in the GNU. It’s a matter that we need to address” said Mbalula.

 “The DAs posture reflects a deeply entrenched neo-imperialist mindset that seeks to subordinate South Africa’s sovereign right to chart its own economic destiny to the interests of foreign powers and domestic elites.” added Mbalula. 

In the midst of this expansion, Operation Dudula has expressed heavy sentiments of anti-foreign policies. 

The campaign which is spearheaded by Zandile Dabula, is a movement that aims to prevent undocumented foreign nationals from receiving health care.

 The leader of the Southern Africa Refugee Organisation Forum (SAROF) Eric Juan Butoki has spoken against this movement expressing that it is harmful towards refugee asylums and foreign nationals.

 The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has also taken to speak out against this campaign by giving a reminder that the right to healthcare is open to everyone in need of it.

“The South African Human Rights Commission reminds the public and all relevant stakeholders that the right to access to healthcare services in South Africa is a universal right afforded to anyone within the Republic of South Africa.” said the Commission. 

With the government looking to expand with parties such as Action SA who share the similar sentiments as Operation Dudula over anti-foreign policies. ActionSA has renewed its call to amend Section 27 of the Constitution to limit access to public healthcare for undocumented foreign nationals, while Operation Dudula’s ongoing actions at public clinics have faced criticism from human rights groups for allegedly violating constitutional rights. Depending on which parties are approached and accept membership, will determine how the best interests of the citizens of South Africa and everyone within the borders of South Africa will be taken care of.