Ramaphosa's Bold Move: ANC Seeks Unity Government to Address South Africa's Pressing Issues

 South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that the African National Congress (ANC) plans to form a government of national unity, involving a broad coalition of opposition parties. This decision follows a marathon ANC meeting and aims to address critical issues facing the nation.

"The purpose of the government of national unity must be, first and foremost, to tackle the pressing issues that South Africans want to be addressed," Ramaphosa stated on Thursday night.

Among these urgent issues are job creation, inclusive economic growth, the high cost of living, service delivery, crime, and corruption. Ramaphosa emphasized that these challenges require immediate and concerted efforts.

In the recent general election, the ANC secured just over 40% of the vote, resulting in 158 seats in the National Assembly. This outcome marked the first time the party fell short of an outright majority. Acknowledging the need for coalition partners, Ramaphosa held intensive talks with senior ANC members in Johannesburg.

Speculation had been rife about the ANC forming a minority government or a coalition with one or two major parties. However, Ramaphosa extended an invitation to all rival parties for discussions. "Such a national dialogue will enhance the pressing task of rebuilding social cohesion in a fractured society, following a particularly toxic and divisive election campaign," he said.

ANC negotiators have already engaged with five parties: the leftist Economic Freedom Fighters, the Zulu nationalist Inkatha Freedom Party, the center-right Democratic Alliance, the National Freedom Party, and the anti-immigrant Patriotic Alliance.

Ramaphosa emphasized the importance of shared values in nation-building and social cohesion. "All parties must commit to shared nation-building and social cohesion," he said. "These values include respect for the constitution of the Republic of South Africa and the rule of law, social justice and equity, human dignity, non-racialism, and non-sexism."

This move by Ramaphosa signals a significant shift in South Africa's political landscape, aiming to unite diverse political factions to address the country's most pressing issues.