6 August 2023
On Saturday 5 August, the leader of the United Democratic Movement (UDM), Bantu Holomisa, expressed his dissatisfaction with the National Dialogue on Coalition Government, characterizing it as a process with a “forgone conclusion.” The event, which spanned over the past two days, aimed to foster dialogue and create a viable coalition framework in preparation for the upcoming national elections next year. However, small parties like the UDM have voiced their frustration over the relevance and fairness of the dialogue.
Taking to social media, Holomisa aired his grievances, stating, “National dialogue a process with a ‘forgone conclusion’: Small parties fume over relevance of event—We have caught and exposed these bunch of thieves who survive by using state resources. If they want thresholds they must put them in their manifestos.”
Holomisa’s remarks are indicative of the frustration felt by smaller parties who perceive the National Dialogue as lacking genuine inclusivity and transparency. The concern centers around the process of creating a workable coalition, with some parties suspecting that the outcome has already been predetermined to favor larger parties with more resources and political clout.
For parties like the UDM, the stakes are high as they seek to gain representation and contribute to the political landscape on an equal footing. The call for thresholds, as mentioned by Holomisa, refers to setting minimum requirements for parties to participate in the coalition process. This demand comes as a measure to ensure that smaller parties are not sidelined and that the process remains democratic and representative.
The National Dialogue on Coalition Government holds significant importance as South Africa navigates complex political dynamics leading up to the national elections. Coalitions have become a prevalent feature in South Africa’s political landscape, and finding common ground between diverse parties is crucial to ensure effective governance.
As the dialogue concluded, parties like the UDM are questioning the process and outcomes, raising concerns about the fairness of the discussions and the potential exclusion of smaller voices. Fair representation and the ability to shape the future of the country are key considerations for smaller parties seeking to contribute to the nation’s development.
The ANC, as the ruling party, holds a responsibility to address the grievances and considerations of all participating parties to ensure a transparent and inclusive process. The call for thresholds and greater accountability in using state resources resonates with the need for a level playing field, where all parties can present their visions for the country and contribute to the collective decision-making process.
Moving forward, the nation awaits further responses and actions from the ANC and other major parties in addressing the concerns raised by smaller parties like the UDM. The outcome of the National Dialogue will undoubtedly impact the political landscape, as parties and voters prepare for the upcoming national elections with heightened awareness of the importance of coalitions in shaping the future of South Africa.
National dialogue a process with a 'forgone conclusion': Small parties fume over relevance of event—We have caught and exposed these bunch of thieves who survive by using state resources. If they want thresholds they must put them in their manifestos. https://t.co/ML77brZR8L
— Bantu Holomisa (@BantuHolomisa) August 5, 2023
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