‘We are concerned’: IFP says country needs governance, calls on DA and ANC to stop their squabbles
‘We are concerned’: IFP says country needs governance, calls on DA and ANC to stop their squabbles
IFP President Velenkosi Hlabisa has called the ANC and DA to conclude negotiations in the formation of a Government of National Unit (GNU), saying the party was “concerned” about the stalemate.
This comes amid IOL reporting on Thursday that the negotiation talks between the DA and ANC had collapsed over the appointment of cabinet positions.
This comes on the back of endless squabbles between the two parties about positions in the anticipated cabinet announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
There has been delayed for more than a week now since Ramaphosa was sworn in and officially inaugurated as president last week in Pretoria.
Addressing the media from the IFP headquarters in Durban, Hlabisa said that the party, like the rest of South Africa, had watched keenly how the negotiations were unfolding but grew increasingly concerned.
“So when alarmist reports began to emerge of a potential stalemate between the ANC and the DA, the IFP was not immediately concerned. There was as far as we could see, no crisis. We understood that there will be necessary teething problems in the formation of the government of national unity… Now, however, like all South Africans, the IFP is growing concerned.
“Our concern is for a country that is eager to move forward, that governance must begin. We cannot remain in a holding pattern where there is so much to be done,” Hlabisa said.
He urged Ramaphosa to use his Constitutional power to announce a cabinet as soon as possible.
“It is essential that the President, as the Constitution allows him, can reach the stage of announcing the new cabinet. The IFP is calling on the ANC, the DA, and any other party to conclude the outstanding issues between them without further delay. As the IFP we are ready to save our country,” he said.
Hlabisa expressed confidence in the leaders of the two parties that their negotiations were in the “best interest of the country,” however reminding them that the country is awaiting direction.
He said the IFP was aware of the appointments of people to critical ministries but mentioned that this should not take too long because it affects the country and the work of parliament.
“But there is no position more important than that of the country as a whole…South Africa and its people must not be at a stalemate for a long time, agreements must be reached. Only when we enable South Africa to move forward in the service of our country,” he said.
He stressed that it was important to put their interests aside to ensure that the work of government proceeded.
Hlabisa further maintained that his party remained committed to the GNU and “we stand ready to play our part in the service of the nation.”
Meanwhile, the DA has requested another meeting with the ANC following their recent communication through letters that are now leaked to the media.
The two are expected to meet today (Friday) in a bid to resolve their disputes.
Ramaphosa lashed out at the DA leader Steenhuisen for their conduct in the GNU negotiations. This was through a letter that was said to be final.
He also accused the DA of being a chameleon given how they keep shifting the goal posts.
IOL Politics