Disrupted unity: The state of the GNU one year on

News24

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EDITORIAL: Disrupted unity - The state of the GNU one year on
The outcome of the 2024 national elections left South Africa in uncharted territory. When the ANC fell short of a majority, managing only 40% of the vote, the country was uncertain about what lay ahead.
On 6 June 2024, Cyril Ramaphosa announced that a government of national unity (GNU) would be the best way forward.
This sparked an intense period of negotiations, culminating in a historic statement of intent signed by the ANC, DA, and IFP. A few hours later, during Parliament's first sitting, Ramaphosa was elected president of the country.
However, the drama was far from over. Two weeks after this agreement - and a full month post-election - Ramaphosa unveiled his Cabinet, officially cementing the 10-party GNU as a reality.
What followed was a year of turbulence, characterised by bitter disagreements, mounting frustrations, and the coalition teetering on the brink of collapse.
In this week's Friday Briefing, analyst Mpumelelo Mkhabela takes a deep dive into what form of government has truly emerged from the GNU experiment, one year in. Can this fragile coalition withstand its many challenges? To explore this question, we have insights from News24's political editor Andisiwe Makinana, director-general in the National School of Government Busani Ngcaweni, and parliamentary reporter Jason Felix.
Parliament, too, comes under scrutiny. News24's Jan Gerber investigates how it failed to seize a golden opportunity for a much-needed reset during the past 12 months.
And for a refreshing story of resilience, News24's in-depth writer Muhammad Hussain speaks to 83-year-old Johannes Mosehla, who last weekend became the oldest person to complete the Comrades Marathon.
You can dive into the full submissions below to gain a deeper perspective.
Oxymoronic governance: Friction and rivalry in the GNU
The government of national unity lacks a joint strategy. A unique form of government, one that governs and opposes simultaneously, has emerged writes Mpumelelo Mkhabela.
You can read the full submission here.
The strains of governing: A reflection on the GNU after one year
Despite party and ideological differences that have threatened its existence, the multiparty government of national unity marks its one-year anniversary this week. Andisiwe Makinana reflects on what is needed to ensure a stable government.
You can read the full submission here.
Navigating realities: What matters in making the GNU work
The GNU is no longer an ICU patient, but one managing unique chronic conditions while progressing toward recovery. Busani Ngcaweni reflects on seven proposals to strengthen the coalition arrangement.
You can read the full submissio here.
One year of GNU: Parliament's missed chance to make use of the changing tides
As the tectonic plates of South African politics shifted during last year's elections, a new political landscape presented a much needed opportunity for Parliament to reset itself and become the bastion of democracy it is supposed to be. But, writes Jan Gerber, it has been an opportunity missed a year into the GNU.
You can read the full submission here.
Fragile alliance: ANC and DA struggle to navigate the GNU one year down the line
Since its inception, the government of national unity has been marked by challenges, tensions, and power dynamics, with the ANC struggling to adapt to coalition politics with its key partner, the DA. Jason Felix spoke to the ANC chief whip and two Cabinet ministers about the first year of the GNU.
You can read the full submission here.
Supplied
At 83, Johannes Mosehla, extended his own record of the being the oldest person to complete the Comrades Marathon. He chats to Muhammad Hussain about his unusual midnight training routine and what inspires him.
You can read the full submission here.