Thabo Mbeki approves GNU as a necessary move

Former president Thabo Mbeki has publicly endorsed the idea of a Government of National Unity (GNU) in South Africa, calling it a critical intervention for the country’s progress. Mbeki expressed his support on Wednesday, emphasizing the importance of the initiative in ensuring that the country works effectively.

Addressing his audience at the Thabo Mbeki School during one of his regular engagements at the University of South Africa (Unisa), Mbeki stated that he wished the ANC-led GNU success.

He highlighted that a national dialogue, as planned by President Cyril Ramaphosa’s government, would be key in providing a clear mandate for the executive. According to Mbeki, this would help eliminate the confusion of different ministers pushing their own party manifestos instead of working toward a unified national agenda.

Mbeki further explained that the African National Congress (ANC) found itself in this position following the results of the May national and provincial elections. He views the GNU as a solution to address the fragmented political landscape and enable a cohesive approach to governance, which he believes is vital for the country’s development.

“The ANC leadership engaged all of this, shared the view that since we’ve got 40% of the votes, therefore haven’t gotten a majority to govern, let’s approach all of the parties, let all of us come together and form a government of national unity and govern,” he explained. “And in the end, you have these 10 parties that constitute [GNU]. Because we want the country to succeed, the economy to grow, crime to disappear, all of these things. And so we wish the government of national unity to succeed.”

Mbeki expressed hope that all parties involved in the Government of National Unity (GNU) would share a common vision of what the arrangement should achieve—specifically, addressing the critical issues facing the country. He emphasized the importance of unity in purpose, ensuring that the GNU functions as a mechanism to solve South Africa’s pressing problems.

Though the timeline for the national dialogue remains unclear, Mbeki has been one of its most vocal advocates. He was among the first to propose the dialogue after the national elections, believing that it would be crucial in shaping a collective approach to governance. According to Mbeki, there is a standing agreement that the dialogue must take place and involve all South Africans, ensuring that everyone has a voice in the country’s future direction.

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