Al Jama-ah’s newly sworn-in Member of Parliament, Ganief Hendricks, expressed relief after President-elect Cyril Ramaphosa denied a grand coalition between the ANC and the DA.
However, the party remains worried about a ‘Statement of Intent’ on a Government of National Unity (GNU) signed by the ANC and DA over the weekend.
Hendricks referenced a post showing President Ramaphosa instructing top ANC officials to avoid promoting a grand coalition narrative. Despite this, Hendricks noted the party’s unease with the signed agreement, which suggests power-sharing between the ANC and the DA.
In his speech on June 14, Hendricks highlighted the challenges President Ramaphosa will face, particularly the DA’s desire to secede the Western Cape from South Africa.
He warned of potential protests and criticized the power-sharing agreement, which gives the ANC the Presidency and the Speaker positions, while the DA gets the Deputy Speaker role.
It’s believed that the Inkatha party, was aiming for the Speaker position, instead secured the Premier position in Kwa-Zulu Natal through the agreement.
President Ramaphosa emphasized there is no grand alliance with the DA, but Al Jama-ah believes the ‘Statement of Intent’ suggests otherwise. The party hopes the Progressive Caucus, which they discussed with the ANC, will help resolve the situation.
Hendricks mentioned that significant changes are expected within the ANC in the next three months, with President Ramaphosa holding his position temporarily.
Hendricks was not surprised by the ANC’s move to secure the DA’s support, given the hesitation from other progressive parties.
