Deputy President Paul Mashatile Announces National Dialogue Amidst Disagreement with GNU Partners

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has confirmed that the first National Dialogue will be held on December 16.

The announcement comes as he hosts members of the Government of National Unity (GNU) at the Presidential Office in Tuynhys, Parliament, to address ongoing disputes within the coalition.

However, the decision has sparked frustration among some GNU partners. Helen Zille, representing the Democratic Alliance, voiced her concerns, criticizing the African National Congress (ANC) for allegedly acting independently.

Zille stated, “We made it clear from the start of the GNU negotiations that the National Dialogue should be a joint initiative, planned and executed by all key GNU governance partners. But here goes the ANC, acting unilaterally as usual, as if they won the election.”

The disagreements within the GNU highlight the challenges of coalition governance and the need for more collaborative decision-making processes.

As the December 16 dialogue approaches, it remains to be seen how these tensions will be addressed and whether the GNU partners will find common ground.

We made it clear, from the start of the GNU negotiations, that the National Dialogue must be a joint initiative, planned and executed by the key GNU governance partners. But here goes the ANC, unilaterally as usual, as if they won the election. https://t.co/4b2jC8YeTn

— Helen Zille (@helenzille) October 24, 2024