WATCH: South Africa’s ANC Seeks To Form Government Of National Unity

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared that his African National Congress (ANC) party will pursue the formation of a government of national unity, a move aimed at reflecting the electorate’s desires and propelling the nation forward.

Ramaphosa made this significant announcement late Thursday following a lengthy meeting of the ANC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) in Johannesburg. During this session, party leaders deliberated on strategies for the post-election landscape.

Historic Presidential Election Outcome

For the first time since the advent of democracy, the ANC lost its parliamentary majority, although it remains South Africa’s largest political party.

“We agreed to invite political parties to form a government of national unity as the best option to move our country forward,”

Addressing National Issues

The primary objective of this proposed unity government is to address the critical issues facing South Africans, including crime, poverty, the high cost of living, and corruption. Ramaphosa emphasized the need for “the broadest unity” among South Africans to tackle these challenges.

He called for multiparty cooperation and collaboration with various stakeholders to overcome the country’s significant hurdles.

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A Government of National Unity is the most viable, most effective and most powerful way of meeting the expectations of all South Africans at this moment.
https://t.co/p0LEGJcePh

— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) June 6, 2024

Ramaphosa acknowledged that the ANC has heard the frustration of the South African people, which was clearly expressed in the May 29 vote. The ANC, a former liberation movement, has governed South Africa since Nelson Mandela led the party to victory in the 1994 election that ended apartheid. However, the party’s mixed record led to a significant voter backlash in the recent election.

Despite retaining its position as the largest party, the ANC can no longer govern alone. ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula shared earlier on Thursday that it is time for clear-head thinking.

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Challenges Facing South Africa

South Africa is grappling with numerous issues, including sluggish economic growth, high poverty and unemployment rates, a persistent racial wealth gap, severe power shortages, and political corruption. The election results have placed the ANC in a challenging position, as it will occupy 159 of the 400 seats in the new National Assembly, a decrease from 230 seats in 2019.