Photo by [The Daily Vox]
South Africa – According to political analyst Sandile Swana, the recent National Dialogue on Coalition Governments held over the past weekend signifies a recognition of the waning power and voter support for the African National Congress (ANC).
Swana further points out coalition conferences remained virtually nonexistent when the ANC held firm in its position. However, due to their complacency, the ANC faces a significant risk of being displaced in the forthcoming election scheduled for next year.
“When the ANC thought they could rule [for a long time], there were no conferences [of this kind]. The ANC has been declining in the elections. Therefore, coalitions have become necessary.”
An Already Established Coalition Framework
Deputy President Paul Mashatile presided over a two-day event at the University of the Western Cape. The summit aimed to attain consensus among all parties concerning a coalition framework designed to mitigate instability and enhance the effectiveness of coalitions across various government tiers.
Nonetheless, Swana argued South Africa already possesses legislation which outlines models and structures for managing coalitions. Consequently, he asserted there is no need for amending or augmenting existing laws, as the key lies in their proper implementation.
“We said through our votes, ‘we want a government of local unity. We want a government of provincial unity, and most specifically, we want a government of national unity. The principles of how that government can be set are in our laws, and it must just be implemented.”
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“The Grand Coalition” of the ANC and DA
Throughout the two-day conference, the ANC and the Democratic Alliance (DA) jointly agreed on several amendments to certain legislations. Nevertheless, these revisions have faced backlash from smaller political entities, alleging the modifications primarily serve the interests of the two dominant parties.
This situation has fueled speculation about potential interactions between the ANC and the DA. Swana contends that a substantial number of stakeholders within both parties are inclined towards forming a “grand coalition”, motivated by the decline in public support and the increasing influence of other parties, most notably the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).
“Both parties realise they are in danger of being overtaken by the EFF. Because unfortunately, the statistics show both parties are declining.”
Nevertheless, the leadership of both the ANC and the DA dismissed these allegations, with Deputy President Paul Mashitile affirming “there was no deal”. Furthermore, John Steenhuizen, the leader of the DA, articulated they aim to establish an opposition majority in the nation, emphasising their goal is to “unseat the ANC, not to keep it in power”.
