By Lesedi Sibiya-Diplomatic Insider 

The leaders of the 10 parties which make up the first Government of National Unity (GNU) have completed and returned from a two-day retreat to the Cradle of Humankind today. The purpose of the retreat was to reflect on the progress outlined by the priorities of the GNU statement of intent in terms of its implementation.

Those that were in attendance included President Cyril Ramaphosa, Deputy President Paul Mashatile, John Steenhuisen (DA), Velenkosini Hlabisa (IFP), Gayton Mckenzie (PA), Corne Mulder (FF Plus), Bantu Hlomisa (UDM), Songezo Zibi (Rise Mzansi), Ganief Hendricks (Al Jama-Ah), Mzwanele Nyhontso (PAC) and Brett Heron (GOOD). The meeting went seemingly positive as the leaders are in consensus that the GNU is truly united and strong.

 The meeting also came with reassurance amongst the party leaders that they will meet regularly in order to provide a strategic political direction in accordance with the work of the GNU. 

The GNU since its inception has faced a number of difficulties and misalignment particularly in regards to the budget process, in which the Finance Minister had to amend the budget twice, which is the first time this has occurred in democratic South Africa.

 However the leaders that uphold the GNU have drawn important lessons from all these various disagreements and have ensured that they will consult more firmly with one another in regards to developing fiscal priorities and frameworks. 

All parties have affirmed their commitment to keeping the GNU strong in order to uphold the democratic integrity of its inception, for the better interests of the South African people. 

Since the GNU was established there has been platform for inclusive growth through reforms in energy, logistics, telecommunications, water and visas; have embarked on infrastructure rebuild and maintenance drive, have also worked to diversify exports and expand into new markets due to tariff increases, have increased the expansion of early childhood development and have strengthened the foundational years of learning.

Since the GNU’s inception there is also emphasis on reforming South Africa’s law enforcement as well as the work done to remove South Africa from the grey list. There is an emphasis from the GNU to have all these plans of reform become more pronounced to the people of South Africa. The GNU have also reaffirmed that they will engage further on South Africa’s international relations in order to develop a common understanding of the national interests of the country.