Ramaphosa Urges GNU Ministers to Prioritize Collective Goals Over Party Politics

President Cyril Ramaphosa has cautioned ministers and deputy ministers within the Government of National Unity (GNU) against attributing collective achievements to their individual political parties. The directive followed a period of intense debate in the National Assembly regarding Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address (SONA), where opposition parties voiced strong objections to several proposals.

GNU Formation and Ongoing Tensions

The GNU was established after the African National Congress (ANC) lost its majority in the May 2024 general election, necessitating a coalition government. The coalition comprises the ANC, Democratic Alliance (DA), Patriotic Alliance, Inkatha Freedom Party, Excellent, Pan Africanist Congress, Freedom Front Plus, United Democratic Movement, Al Jama-ah, and Rise Mzansi. Despite the collaborative framework, tensions persist, particularly concerning policy differences between the ANC and the DA.

The DA has, at times, threatened to withdraw from the coalition but has remained committed to its stated goals of economic growth, job creation, and combating corruption.

Cabinet Unity and Shared Responsibility

Addressing the concerns, Ramaphosa emphasized the importance of unity within the Cabinet. “When they are out on the streets, they campaign for their parties. But in the Cabinet, there are no parties,” he stated. “There are no ANC or DA or IFP or PA or UDM or GOOD or FF Plus or PAC or Al Jama-ah ministries. Every minister and deputy minister is part of a collective, working together to implement a common programme, the Medium Term Development Plan.”

He warned against ministers and deputies claiming credit for portfolio successes on behalf of their respective parties, noting that the foundations for many achievements were laid prior to their appointments and would extend beyond their tenures. “Our successes are the achievements of the collective. By the same measure, we are collectively responsible for our mistakes and shortcomings,” Ramaphosa added.

Commitment to Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment

During his SONA and the subsequent debate, Ramaphosa defended the government’s commitment to broad-based black economic empowerment (BEE), criticizing those who advocate for its abolishment. He argued that claims that BEE benefits only a few and hinders economic growth are false, citing data showing income growth among Black African, Coloured, and Indian households between 2006 and 2023: 46%, 29%, and 19% respectively. He also pointed to a decrease in poverty levels within these communities during the same period.

Despite this progress, Ramaphosa acknowledged the significant income disparity, with the average income of white households remaining nearly five times higher than that of Black African households. He announced a review of the BEE framework to enhance its effectiveness and promote greater transformation and inclusive growth.

DA’s Opposition to BEE

DA MP Baxolile Nodada challenged BEE, labeling it a “cadre enrichment scheme” and proposing the DA’s alternative empowerment model focused on poverty as a measure of disadvantage. The ANC has consistently rejected this proposal, reaffirming its commitment to BEE.

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