South African President and leader of the African National Congress (ANC), Cyril Ramaphosa, has downplayed the significance of the recently established Multi Party Charter for SA, also known as the “Moonshot Pact,” labeling it a mere sideshow. Ramaphosa expressed doubt about the coalition’s capacity to gather adequate support to dislodge the ANC from its authoritative position.
Ramaphosa emphasized that the ANC’s primary focus is on securing an outright victory in the forthcoming national elections and is not presently entertaining the idea of forming alliances.
The Multi Party Charter for SA emerged following a conclave involving seven political parties, including the Democratic Alliance (DA), ActionSA, and the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), among others.
The primary objective of this alliance is to unite disparate opposition parties under a common agenda and establish coalitions to contest the ANC’s political supremacy in the upcoming national elections slated for the next year.
Ramaphosa’s dismissive stance underscores the ANC’s confidence in its capability to secure a substantial mandate independently, without having to resort to coalition-building.
“No other political party in South Africa can connect with the people of the country and gather support like the ANC does.” Said Ramaphosa.
The ANC boasts a lengthy legacy as the ruling party in South Africa, and its leadership remains steadfast in its belief in its capacity to resonate with a wide spectrum of the populace and sustain its preeminent position.
Nonetheless, the establishment of the Multi Party Charter for SA mirrors a growing sentiment among opposition parties that unity is pivotal for effectively challenging the ANC’s dominance.
By forming alliances and harnessing collective strengths, these parties aspire to present a credible alternative to the ANC’s governance and address concerns ranging from policy decisions to overall governance.