Image Source: Daily Maverick
South Africa – President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent announcement to establish a Government of National Unity sparked significant interest, expectations, and national concerns. This move, reminiscent of the political landscape at the dawn of democracy in 1994, aims to involve a broad spectrum of political parties in rebuilding and addressing the nation’s challenges.
While this development may be seen as the political change many South Africans desired regarding governance and leadership, it carries implications, particularly regarding the country’s stance on Palestine.
A coalition government composed of different parties, ideologies, and manifestos could potentially influence South Africa’s international relations and policies, as well as its ongoing case at the International Court of Justice concerning Israel’s ethnic cleansing in Gaza.
Despite these changes, Alie Komape from Africa4Palestine expressed confidence in the African National Congress’s (ANC) leadership and influence. Even though they failed to secure a majority vote, he emphasised that any coalition government would have the ANC at its helm to maintain support for Palestine and its people.
“What we know is that 40% of the vote means whatever arrangement that becomes a government in this country would have to have the ANC at the helm of it. If it’s a coalition agreement between the ANC and other parties, the ANC would, you would assume, get the head of state. That’s a very important position when you deal with the national interest of the country and national interest outside of the country.”
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The DA, Opposition to the ANC
Apart from the ANC, the Government of National Unity will comprise an overwhelming majority of parties that endorse the Palestinian cause, except for a few, including the Democratic Alliance (DA).
However, the DA’s potential influence still poses a concern, as they hold the second most votes in the recent elections. As a party, they have consistently opposed the ANC in many of its policies, including its stance on Palestine.
While the ANC gives unconditional support to the Palestinians, the DA advocates for a more balanced approach in dealing with the occupation of Palestine and the genocide in Gaza.
Their policies in this matter have been widely criticised by South African citizens. Many feel the DA’s stance lacks moral clarity and fails to adequately address the humanitarian crisis.
Critics argue that the DA’s position appears indifferent to the suffering of the Palestinian people and is perceived as overly cautious, not reflecting the strong sentiments of solidarity with Palestinians that many South Africans hold.
For this reason, Komape stated that the DA should never be in power and should not hold any position of power, as it could lead to a government that prioritises diplomatic caution over addressing critical human rights issues and injustices.
Despite this, he believes the DA lacks sufficient numbers to dominate the government. Therefore, the chances of them changing or affecting the country’s stance on Palestine and solidarity with the Palestinian people are minimal to none.
“We don’t believe they have the numbers to form a government. They simply do not. The opposition are the ones who [have less] support than the [parties] who support Palestine. Of course, we are worried, but it’s not something that keeps us up at night. We don’t see it as a possibility. Whatever happens, whatever government is formed, we think the DA will not be at the head of it.”
