ANC KZN confirms ongoing constructive engagement with the NFP, respecting their decision to withdraw while striving for continued collaboration within the Government of Provincial Unity.
Image: Tumi Pakkies / Independent Newspapers
The ANC in KwaZulu-Natal has reaffirmed its commitment to the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU), calling it the most effective means to ensure socio-political and economic stability, and to promote inclusive development in the province.
Speaking at a media briefing on Tuesday, ANC KZN Coordinator Mike Mabuyakhulu outlined the party's belief that the GPU remains strong and resilient.
"The ANC is dedicated to the Government of Provincial Unity as the most effective means to ensure socio-political and economic stability, promote accelerated and inclusive development, deliver services to our people, and uphold the Constitutional principles of our Republic," he said.
"The recent developments in the GPU, including the stated withdrawal by the National Freedom Party (NFP), have pointed to the urgent need to reinforce the coalition arrangement through universal protocols that are independent of personal preferences or a change in mood."
Mabuyakhulu went on to confirm that, in the near future, the GPU partners will formally adopt a GPU Framework to govern the coalition arrangement.
He emphasised that all partners involved, including the NFP, remain aligned in the belief that the GPU is the best vehicle for progress, especially post-2024 elections.
"Following our engagements with the NFP, including those which predate the stated withdrawal, we remain convinced that all GPU partners view the arrangement as the best means to serve our people post the 2024 election outcomes," he said.
"Our objective is to ensure that the provincial government’s programme of action is dictated by superior logic and a commitment to a national democratic society, rather than political grandstanding and cheap political point scoring."
While acknowledging the NFP's withdrawal, Mabuyakhulu emphasised that the ANC remains committed to constructive engagement.
"The ANC wrote to the National Freedom Party and had an engagement with them," he said.
"We reported yesterday to our PTT meeting on the very constructive discussions and engagements we had with the NFP. But we still have to go back and have another engagement because our discussions meant there were matters we needed to take back to our principals."
Mabuyakhulu also assured that the ANC would not air the details of these discussions publicly, in order to respect the confidentiality and integrity of the talks.
"We will not have the temptation to try and ventilate matters that have been discussed with each other through the public media, because we have respect for those whom we are engaging with," he said.
"It will not be the ANC's space to comment on the relationship between the NFP and other public parties."
Despite the NFP's decision to withdraw, Mabuyakhulu expressed optimism about the ongoing partnership.
"There is an open dialogue between the ANC and the NFP. We have a historical relationship and respect for one another. The ANC would like to hold on to the well-established relations between itself and the NFP," he said.
He confirmed that both parties are open to further engagement, with plans to meet again soon to discuss their future within the GPU framework.
The ANC also made it clear that its approach to the GPU is one of inclusivity.
Mabuyakhulu reiterated that the ANC would remain open to other political parties wishing to join the GPU, provided they meet certain criteria.
While he declined to provide specifics on these conditions, he affirmed the ANC's commitment to maintaining the principles that govern the GPU.
"Our approach emanates from the decision of the MEC last year, where we agreed at the national level that the ANC would want to see a situation where the GPU can be open for those who still want to come into the GPU," said Mabuyakhulu.
"The same principle will apply in KZN if there are still parties that think they can consider and want to be able to be part of the GPU "
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