The ANC’s secretary general, Fikile Mbalula, stated that the party is not yet ready to announce the details of an agreement. The ANC lost its parliamentary majority for the first time in 30 years in the 29th May election, receiving 40% of the vote.

 

Cyril Ramaphosa addressing the media// photo courtesy

The African National Congress (ANC) of South Africa has stated that it has made progress in establishing a government of national unity after losing its outright majority in the recent elections. Fikile Mbalula, the party’s secretary general, mentioned that they are not ready yet to announce the specifics of an agreement.

After receiving 40% of the vote in the May 29th election, the ANC lost its parliamentary majority for the first time in 30 years. This loss means that the party needs the support of other parties for President Cyril Ramaphosa to remain in power.

The new parliament will convene for the first time on Friday to vote for a president. It is anticipated that Mr. Ramaphosa will be reelected. Mr. Mbalula informed reporters that the party is currently in discussions with various political parties, but could not provide further details. He mentioned that the new government would likely be more centered politically, as some left-leaning ANC breakaway parties have announced that they will not participate. Additionally, parties such as the pro-business Democratic Alliance (DA) have agreed to form a national unity government.

The ANC and DA have not agreed on how they will cooperate, according to Mr. Mbalula.

“If the DA were to get some of these things that it wants, it means the ANC will be dead,” he said.

The DA came second in the election with 22% of the vote. President Cyril Ramaphosa has previously accused the DA – which draws its support mainly from racial minorities – of being “treasonous” and “reactionary.”

The ANC’s left-wing traditions are at odds with the DA’s free market economics advocacy, making any deal with the DA unpopular among many ANC activists. The DA also has a reputation for representing the interests of the white minority.

By Janet Namalwa