By South Africa is now in a Government of National Unity (GNU) comprising of 11 parties including the ANC, DA, IFP and the PA amongst others. The likes of the EFF and MK Party have been left out of the action.
Though citing a matter of principle, the EFF and MK party are missing out on an opportunity showcase what they are capable of. On the one hand the MK is obsessed with revenge and punishing the ANC of Ramaphosa, and on the other hand, the EFF’s hatred towards the DA has consumed the party.
Both parties are being destroyed by their own anger, hatred and obsession to avenge hiding behind principle, which has blinded them from the opportunity before them. The DA, “the enemy” and other small parties are now in government ruling alongside the “sell-out” ANC. These parties will have an opportunity for the five years to impress upon the electorate to vote for them in the next national and provincial elections.
Nothing destroys a man like his own anger and hatred. The EFF has the most educated people in the party, who are well cultured politically. The EFF when asked which portfolio they would like to occupy should they form part of the GNU, they advanced the name of Floyd Shivambu as their preferred candidate for Finance Minister. Shivambu is eloquent and a master in economics, he could have made a meaningful contribution, he could have excelled in any position given him, especially that of finance.
Even though the reasons for rejecting the GNU by the EFF are valid and correct, at times one needs to rise above the situation and be the bigger person and see the big picture. The EFF could have agreed to the GNU and occupy whatever portfolio, the same with MK party, they would then have the power to put a check on their rivals from inside while making their mark in governing at national level.
The PA has been called names and the DA tried to prevent them from forming part of the GNU. However, PA leaders Gayton Mckenzie looked at the bigger picture, which is to have power and to effect meaningful change in whatever capacity or portfolio. He is going to show the people of South Africa what he can do while governing alongside his rival, the DA. He did not let himself be consumed by squabbles from his opposition.
Being outside simply means the EFF and MK do not have much power to effect much change. They could have gained much experience and write their own CV for the next elections. All the parties forming the GNU will from hence forth do their best in their portfolios, to outshine each other so that they can have a point of reference in the next elections.
The ANC now has competition and they are going to ensure that they deliver on their promises to regain the people’s confidence. The DA, will no longer point to the Eastern Cape as its reference point where they govern well, they will now also point to the successes they achieved at national level.
The competition will be beneficial for the people of South Africa because each have heard the cries of the electorate. The party that delivers the most has a chance to win the next elections with an outright majority.
The anger and hatred has left the two parties out of government, a missed opportunity to serve at national level and show their constituency and the rest of the citizens of the country what they are capable of, an opportunity to win business and investors. To make significant contributions towards the economy and development of the country; Instead they have reduced themselves to barking dogs at a moving car.
The GNU will move, with or without them. In parliament they will be fighting losing battles, the numbers are not in their favour and parties forming the GNU are more likely to protect each other.
Parties constituting the GNU are likely to work together at provincial and local government level. The EFF and the MK will be permanently on the side-lines with nowhere to showcase their capabilities. What then, will be their selling card in the next elections? Loyalty? Principle? One can be loyal and principled from the inside and show your people why they should vote for you and give you an outright majority.
