GNU returns: South Africa's 2024 coalition government

After one of South Africa’s most memorable General and National Elections on 29 May 2024, it was dubbed as carrying the most significant elections since 1994. Results from the elections revealed that the ruling party, since 1994, the African National Congress (ANC), had lost its majority after becoming the first African ruled party post-apartheid. However, South Africa saw several parties forming a coalition alongside the ANC in forming South Africa’s new norm since ‘94, the GNU.

South Africa’s new government, the GNU

In South Africa, the acronym "GNU" commonly refers to the Government of National Unity. Formed after the country’s first democratic elections in 1994, it was a coalition government involving the African National Congress (ANC), the National Party (NP), and the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP). This coalition was pivotal during South Africa’s transition from apartheid to democracy, aiming to foster national reconciliation and political stability by including diverse political factions in governance. The GNU played a significant role in shaping the new constitution and implementing policies aimed at addressing apartheid’s historical injustices while guiding the nation towards a more inclusive and democratic future.

Is the GNU a new thing?

In the period from 27 April 1994 to 3 February 1997, South Africa experienced a transformative phase under a GNU led by the ANC. This coalition, mandated by Clause 88 of the interim Constitution, aimed to include diverse political parties in governance during the country's transition from apartheid to democracy. Following the historic 1994 democratic elections, where 19,726,579 votes were cast, and the ANC fell just short of a two-thirds majority, Nelson Mandela assumed the presidency with FW De Klerk as his deputy. The cabinet included representatives from the ANC, the National Party (NP), and the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), embodying the GNU's commitment to inclusivity.

The GNU's mission extended beyond political unity—it played a pivotal role in drafting South Africa's new constitution and spearheaded initiatives to improve national reconciliation and quality of life. Notably, it established the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) to address past human rights abuses, promoting truth-telling, reconciliation, and amnesty for those who fully disclosed their crimes. This initiative significantly contributed to fostering a spirit of healing and unity in post-apartheid South Africa. However, the GNU faced challenges, particularly from within the NP, which withdrew from the coalition in June 1996. FW De Klerk, citing concerns over lack of influence in decision-making and policy direction, announced the NP's departure, marking a shift towards opposition status and ending their cooperation with the TRC.

Despite these political shifts, the ANC continued to govern, addressing pressing issues such as economic stagnation, unemployment, inequality, and poverty through initiatives like the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) and later the Growth, Employment, and Redistribution (GEAR) policy. Ultimately, the GNU's tenure concluded with the end of the first Parliament in 1999, marking a critical chapter in South Africa's democratic evolution. The legacy of the GNU underscores the complexities and achievements of navigating a transition from apartheid to inclusive democracy, illustrating both the challenges and the resilience required in building a united and prosperous nation.

Conclusion

President Cyril Ramaphosa has underscored the imperative of maintaining the collaborative spirit and commitment to national improvement within the GNU, while he emphasised that the recent electoral results clearly mandate elected officials to set aside personal agendas and work collectively to advance the nation. Reflecting on the significance of establishing the GNU, President Ramaphosa highlighted its pivotal role in fostering inclusivity and unity in a post-apartheid South Africa during a period of profound political transition.

He emphasised that the success of the GNU hinges on upholding constitutional values, transparency, and active community involvement, all articulated in the mutually agreed upon Statement of Intent. Economic growth, job creation, and structural reforms are identified as primary objectives to strengthen South Africa's business environment and attract investments. President Ramaphosa concluded by expressing confidence in the broad consensus among GNU parties on these priorities, stressing the importance of unity in achieving tangible progress and meeting the expectations of all South Africans.