Workshop explores Government of National Unity perspectives
Attendees debated the advantages and pitfalls of the Government of National Unity at the Alexandra Peace Ambassadors civic education training workshop.
The Government of National Unity (GNU) is said to be a blessing and a challenge for the Nation.
The Alexandra Peace Ambassadors treasurer Thabo Mopasi said on one hand GNU fosters collaboration among diverse political factions aimed at stabilising the government and promoting peace. On the other hand, it risks diluting accountability and perpetuating inefficiencies.
Mopasi shared these words when his organisation hosted a civic education training workshop at the Scripture Union premises on 8th Avenue, close to the Alexandra Brigade, on July 31.
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Mopasi highlighted some of the advantages and disadvantages of the GNU.
“The good thing about [the] GNU is that it gives lots of political parties power, as opposed to a dictatorship of the government of ANC. We now have political parties that are structured to run the government, and we can report to them when we have a problem, as opposed to reporting to one party.
“One of the GNU disadvantages is that it is not amended through parliament laws, it’s something that came as a result of a document that was signed between [the] DA and the ANC, and also ANC signing the statement of intent with different parties,” Mopasi said.
Mopasi said as a result, each party will come with its statement of intent to say how it wants to take South Africa forward.
One of the attendees Beauty Magongwa said the GNU was the necessary step in healing past divisions and fostering a spirit of co-operation during challenging times.
“We must acknowledge the historical context of our nation. It’s about building consensus and ensuring that all voices are heard, even if it means sharing power,” Magongwa said.
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Another attendee Sipho Khumalo urged for a more robust and singular leadership structure that prioritises the needs of the people.
“While the idea of unity sounds good in theory, in practice it often leads to power-sharing where no one is held accountable. This creates a breeding ground for corruption and inefficiency, which ultimately harms our communities,” Khumalo said.
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