Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Des Erasmus
Published on 2024-04-17 21:57:31
ActionSA Eastern Cape chairperson, Athol Trollip, recently expressed his views on potential coalitions during a national election debate hosted by the Mail & Guardian and the University of Fort Hare. Trollip criticized the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) for considering a coalition with the African National Congress (ANC) on the condition that EFF deputy president Floyd Shivambu be appointed as finance minister, accusing them of wanting to steal from the country’s coffers.
The debate, which included representatives from various political parties including the ANC, EFF, ActionSA, Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), and Democratic Alliance (DA), highlighted the contentious issue of coalitions in South African politics. EFF president, Julius Malema, had previously stated that the party would consider supporting the ANC nationally if Shivambu was made finance minister. Trollip questioned the EFF’s motives for seeking control of the finance ministry, alleging that they were driven by the desire to engage in corrupt practices.
Trollip emphasized that his party, ActionSA, was committed to its multi-party coalition and would not enter into a coalition with either the ANC or EFF. He criticized parties that viewed coalitions as transactional deals for personal gain, highlighting the need for political parties to prioritize service delivery over individual interests.
IFP deputy president, Mzamo Buthelezi, highlighted the stability that his party had brought to municipalities through coalitions and stressed the importance of like-minded parties working together for the benefit of the community. Buthelezi also called for clear legislation to prevent parties from using coalitions for personal gain and emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in coalition agreements.
ANC NEC member, Parks Tau, expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of coalitions, citing instances where they had led to governance failures. He criticized opportunism within coalitions and highlighted the challenges faced by municipalities as a result of unstable coalition governments. DA chief whip, Siviwe Gwarube, defended the role of coalitions in South Africa’s democracy and called for mature political leadership and legislation to regulate coalition agreements.
EFF deputy president, Floyd Shivambu, refuted claims of instability in municipalities where the EFF was governing, showcasing the party’s successful management of key departments in various metros. He emphasized the EFF’s commitment to service delivery and stability in local government.
Overall, the debate underscored the complex dynamics of coalitions in South African politics, with different parties offering contrasting views on the benefits and challenges of working together in a multi-party system. As the country navigates the complexities of coalition politics, it becomes increasingly important for political parties to prioritize governance, transparency, and service delivery in their collaborative efforts.
Read the original article on Mail & Guardian
