This follows the initial round of discussions about potential collaborations with other political parties. Currently, the party leans towards forming a government of national unity but is still deliberating on which of three options should be the definitive government structure for the next five years. The ANC engaged in preliminary discussions with other parties on Monday, following the acknowledgment of the national and provincial election results, where it lost its majority nationally and in KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, and Northern Cape. So far, it has met with the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), the Democratic Alliance (DA), the National Freedom Party (NFP), and the Patriotic Alliance (PA), and has made unsuccessful attempts to initiate discussions with the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party.
On Wednesday, ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri addressed a media briefing at Luthuli House, stating that the party's national officials had initiated discussions with other parties on Monday. The following day, they briefed the national working committee, which considered various proposals for coalitions nationally and in the provinces. While the proposals include collaboration with the DA in different ways, there is internal opposition, advocating for working with the EFF or even the MK party. When asked, Bhengu-Mtosiri indicated the likely formulation of a government of national unity because "the people of South Africa have called for the formation of a multi-party government."
"The ongoing negotiations will determine which parties will eventually be involved," she explained. The ANC has reached out to "literally everyone" and intends to continue doing so within a short timeframe. The party is not only conversing with "like-minded parties" but is also "engaging everyone based on our values, principles, and policy positions." Bhengu-Motsiri mentioned that the ANC has made repeated attempts to engage with the MK party but has not received a positive response. The party is committed to building a national consensus on the most suitable form of government to propel South Africa forward. It aims to involve all parties and unite a broad range of population sectors to overcome the potential electoral stalemate. The party is dedicated to preserving stability and national unity in order to establish a government that can swiftly address South Africa's pressing socio-economic challenges. "Despite any differences we may have, working together as South Africans, we can seize this moment to usher our country into a new era of hope," she concluded.
Bhengu-Motsiri stated that the ANC is committed to building a national consensus to prevent instability. The party will not compromise its principles or its commitment to transformation and will collaborate with partners who uphold constitutionalism. The NEC will communicate their clear determination and engage with members, alliance partners, civil society, and the country regarding the immediate next steps and the future. The party plans to announce its premier candidates for provinces where it holds a clear majority or is likely to lead a coalition next week, before the provincial legislature sessions on 17 and 18 June. Bhengu-Motsiri mentioned that two out of three candidates from each province are women, and their interviews will be completed in the coming days.
