GNU leaders unite for urgent action

Leaders of the ten political parties that make up South Africa’s Government of National Unity (GNU) have concluded a two-day retreat at the Cradle of Humankind in Gauteng.

The retreat, which ended on Monday, focused on reviewing progress in the implementation of the GNU Statement of Intent, discussing national and international challenges, and addressing critical issues facing the country.

The meeting was attended by President Cyril Ramaphosa and Deputy President Paul Mashatile representing the African National Congress (ANC), John Steenhuisen for the Democratic Alliance (DA), Velenkosini Hlabisa of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), Gayton McKenzie of the Patriotic Alliance (PA), Corné Mulder for the Freedom Front Plus (FF+), Bantu Holomisa of the United Democratic Movement (UDM), Songezo Zibi for Rise Mzansi, Ganief Hendricks of Al Jama-Ah, Mzwanele Nyhontso representing the Pan Africanist Congress of Azania, and Brett Herron of the GOOD Party.

The leaders reaffirmed the strength and unity of the GNU and agreed that the forum of party leaders would meet regularly to provide strategic direction to the work of government. They acknowledged that there had been difficulties in the functioning of the GNU, particularly during the 2025 budget process, but stressed that lessons learned would ensure more effective consultation and coordination in future fiscal planning.

The GNU has been operational for 16 months since the signing of the Statement of Intent. During this time it has focused on tackling pressing national challenges including unemployment, poverty, the cost of living, crime, corruption, and the delivery of public services. The leaders noted that the GNU had successfully brought together parties from different political traditions to advance a common programme of inclusive growth and job creation.

The retreat highlighted the adoption of the Medium Term Development Plan as a transformative programme guiding the administration over its five-year term. The plan focuses on key areas including energy, logistics, telecommunications, water, visas, and infrastructure development. The GNU has also worked to diversify exports, expand markets, and improve early childhood education while creating public employment opportunities for young people.

The meeting reviewed fiscal achievements, including macroeconomic stability, a primary budget surplus, and a reduction in the country’s debt burden. Leaders also noted progress in rebuilding law enforcement and public institutions after the state capture period. Efforts to remove South Africa from the Financial Action Task Force grey list, along with reforms led by the Special Investigating Unit, have strengthened the country’s capacity to prevent, investigate, and prosecute corruption.

International engagement was another focus, particularly South Africa’s G20 Presidency under the theme “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability.” The leaders emphasized the importance of using global partnerships to address development, security, and diplomacy in a people-centred and inclusive manner.

“The GNU leaders agreed on urgent action to accelerate government programmes and improve public service efficiency. Key areas of focus include developing a national food security plan, creating skills development and livelihood opportunities for youth, mobilising law enforcement to tackle gangsterism and organised crime, appointing capable and ethical leaders in the criminal justice system, intervening where municipalities fail, addressing illegal immigration, and strengthening oversight of state-owned enterprises,” said the statement.

The retreat also included discussions on South Africa’s international relations, the state of the economy, and coordination of local and sectoral dialogues through the Eminent Persons Group. The GNU Clearing House Mechanism was ratified to ensure that policy divergence within the government is effectively addressed.

The leaders congratulated the Proteas Women’s cricket team for reaching the ICC Women’s World Cup finals, highlighting this as an inspiration for women in sport.

The ten parties represented at the retreat are the African National Congress, Democratic Alliance, Inkatha Freedom Party, Patriotic Alliance, Freedom Front Plus, United Democratic Movement, Rise Mzansi, Al Jama-Ah, Pan Africanist Congress of Azania, and GOOD Party.

In their statement, the leaders said that the GNU is now more cohesive, focused, and determined than ever. They pledged to continue working with urgency and to remain true to the fundamental purpose of serving the interests and meeting the needs of all South Africans.

The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa issued the statement on behalf of all party leaders.