Gift of the Givers founder Dr Imtiaz Sooliman. Image: X/Gift of the Givers
‘Government of selective unity’: Gift of the Givers founder on GNU
Gift of the Givers founder Dr Imtiaz Sooliman says he believes that the ANC is making a mistake by not including other parties in the GNU.
Gift of the Givers founder Dr Imtiaz Sooliman. Image: X/Gift of the Givers
Gift of the Givers founder Dr Imtiaz Sooliman says the Government of National Unity (GNU) is a government of selective unity.
On Wednesday, Sooliman said this before Cyril Ramaphosa’s official presidential inauguration at the Union Buildings in Tshwane.
GIFT OF THE GIVERS FOUNDER WEIGHS IN ON GNU
As previously reported by The South African, no political party achieved an outright majority (50% + 1) to govern the country in the National and Provincial Elections held in May.
As a result, South Africa’s liberation party, the African National Congress (ANC) formed a GNU with the Democratic Alliance (DA), Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), the Patriotic Alliance (PA) and the GOOD Party.
In an interview with Newzroom Afrika, Sooliman questioned why other parties, such as the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), uMkhonto weSizwe Party, and others, are not part of the GNU.
Sooliman said the ANC had made a mistake by not bringing in other parties.
“Essentially, it’s one party. EFF, MK Party, Cope, and ANC were one party. This was the liberation movement. Why have you divided yourselves? Why have you split yourselves in that manner?” he asked.
“We must overcome egos and differences and return to our values and roots for humanity. They need to sit together and solve the problems together,” Sooliman added.
In addition, Sooliman said he thinks the ANC is making a big mistake and that the party is not thinking for itself; there may be outside influence in their decision-making, such as foreign powers.
EFF AGAINST ‘GRAND COALITION BETWEEN DA AND ANC’
The EFF and other political parties including the Jacob Zuma-led MK Party and African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) have criticised the GNU saying it is a grand coalition between the DA and the ANC.
During the National Assembly first sitting, EFF leader Julius Malema reiterated that they do not agree to this marriage of convenience to “consolidate the white monopoly power over the economy and the means of production”.
“We refuse to sell out. We never did so when we were young, and we’re not going to do so today,” he said.
Malema said they don’t have a history of being collaborators.
“We are going to ensure that this Parliament is functional. We can reassure you that we’re not going to fight any bouncer. Instead, we’re going to be the best and most effective opposition to ensure that both you (Ramaphosa) and the DA are held accountable.”
