S/Africa: Don Optimistic About GNU Creating Better Opportunities
A South Africa-based Professor. Abiodun Salawu, has expressed optimism that the Government of National Unity (GNU) in the country would work to create better opportunities for people and reduce unemployment among youths.
Salawu, Director of Indigenous Language Media in Africa (ILMA) and Professor in the Department of Communication, North-West University, South Africasaid this on Wednesday. The professor of media studies spoke on the inauguration of Cyril Ramaphosa for a second term as South Africa’s President and formation of the GNU.
South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa being sworn in for a second term on June 19, 2024.
Ramaphosa’s party, African National Congress (ANC) said the formation of the GNU was rooted in its shared commitment to uphold the constitution, promote non-racialism, and ensure social justice and equity for all South Africans.
Parties that officially signed the Statement of Intent to participate in the GNU include the ANC, Democratic Alliance (DA) which is South Africa’s second largest party, Inkatha Freedom Party, GOOD, and the Patriotic Alliance.
According to ANC, this collaboration represents 273 seats in the National Assembly. In his inauguration speech on Wednesday, in Pretoria, Ramaphosa said the formation of the GNU was a moment of profound significance.
He said it was “the beginning of a new era”. Salawu, in his assessment, said that going by the various parties and their leaders, Ramaphosa was the best for the role, given the circumstance and despite his imperfections.
“In 30 years of democracy, this was the first time ANC fell low and it was apparent that they couldn’t go alone this time after losing parliamentary majority”.
Salawu said Ramaphosa had a vast capacity for consultations. This, he said, had gotten him criticisms many times but would help him thrive in the GNU. He doesn’t take decisions abrasively without bringing other parties into consideration so we should be able to run through this without having to experience very difficult challenges.”
Salawu, however, said his concern was that the parties had different ideologies, policies and personalities which could create tensions over time.
He urged the GNU parties not to be too rigid, extreme and combative with their positions for the sake of the country. There is a large number of people who do not believe ANC and DA can work together.
“When you look at that, you’ll want to expect that the parties will be careful and employ a lot of political tact and maturity to make the GNU work,” Salawu said.
Meanwhile, in attendance at Ramaphosa’s inauguration were dignitaries including Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa, King Mswati III of Eswatini, among others.
Speaking on bilateral relations between South Africa and Nigeria, Salawu said continued collaboration between both countries would be of great benefit to the continent.
According to him, what it requires is a matter of mutual respect between both countries and mutual respect for citizens.
“Nigerians in South Africa should be treated with dignity and vice-versa. Both countries should not see each other as competitors in order to enjoy good diplomatic relations,” Salawu said. S/Africa: Don Optimistic About GNU Creating Better Opportunities
