South Africa’s ruling ANC to form government of national unity: President Ramaphosa

By Hassan Isilow

South Africa’s ruling African National Congress (ANC) party has agreed to form a government of national unity after losing its majority in last week’s election, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced late Thursday.

“We have agreed to invite political parties to form a government of national unity, the best option to move our country forward,’’ Ramaphosa told reporters after concluding a day-long meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).

He said the modalities of the government of national unity will take into account the conditions prevailing at the moment in the country.

“The purpose of the government of national unity must be, first and foremost, to tackle the pressing issues that South Africans want to be addressed. These issues include job creation and the growth of our economy that will be inclusive and the high cost of living,” he said.

Ramaphosa also said the unity government will look at service delivery, crime and corruption, all which were main election issues raised by political parties.

The ANC, once led by the global icon Nelson Mandela, dominated South African politics for the past three decades until losing its majority in national and provincial elections on May 29.

The party, which used to secure more than 60% in all elections since 1994, except in 2019, when its share dipped to 57.5%, got only 40.18% of the vote. This has put it in a difficult position to form a government on its own.

Ramaphosa said his party has recognized that the people of South Africa made their wishes known during last week’s elections and they accept the outcome.

“We now say as the National Executive Committee of the ANC that we have heard the concerns of the people of South Africa and heard their frustrations and recognize their aspirations,’’ he said.

He said the NEC agreed that for the country to successfully overcome the challenges it faces, there is a need for a unity government and collaboration among political parties.

“From the results of these elections, it’s clear that South Africans expect their leaders to work together to meet their needs. They expect us to find common ground to overcome our differences and act together for the good of everyone,’’ he said.