MK Party confirms coalition talks with ANC
The ANC recently said that it is willing to work with the MK Party and has tried to reach out, however, there was no response.
The Jacob Zuma-led uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has confirmed that it has met with the ruling party to engage in coalition talks.
This comes as support for the ANC plummeted to just 40% for the first time since the dawn of democracy. The ruling party now needs other political parties to form a coalition government.
MK PARTY CONFIRMS MEETING WITH THE ANC
The MK Party emerged as the biggest winner in the 29 May polls. The party got over 2 million votes and is now the third largest in the country. Furthermore, it received the most seats in the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature.
As there is no outright winner, most political parties have confirmed that they will be engaging in coalition talks.
In a statement on Thursday, MK Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela said a meeting will occur soon.
“The MK Party will hear with an open mind while firmly prioritising the aspirations and inspirations of the South African majority and blacks in particular,” he said.
Ndhlela also said they commit and reaffirm that they will engage only in the future of South Africa, which prioritises the people’s interests.
“Any coalition has to focus on eradicating the systems that preserve and support the prolonged political subjugation and economic enslavement of our people,” Ndhlela added.
Meanwhile, ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula recently affirmed that Ramaphosa is a “no-go area” as they engsge on coalition talks.
“If you come to us with a demand that Ramaphosa must step down, that is not going to happen. We’ve got no such mandate and we’re not going to negotiate with political parties on the basis that we don’t want to talk to so and so,” he said.
RAMAPHOSA CONFIRMS RULING PARTY WANTS GOVERNMENT OF NATIONAL UNITY
On Thursday, President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed that the ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) has opted for a Government of National Unity.
The NEC held a meeting on Thursday to deliberate on the election outcome and the way forward.
During his closing address, Ramaphosa confirmed that the ruling party has already held constructive discussions with the Democratic Alliance, Economic Freedom Fighters, Inkatha Freedom Party, National Freedom Party and Patriotic Alliance.
“We are committed to ensuring that a Government of National Unity has the means and the ability to build an inclusive economy, create jobs, end corruption, tackle crime and improve the provision of services.
“In establishing a Government of National Unity, we would be building on a rich history of cooperation across divides of politics and ideology,” Ramaphosa said.