Survival of GNU Signals Political Maturity Not Collapse

Former International Relations Minister Naledi Pandor has said the survival of South Africa’s Government of National Unity (GNU) shows political maturity and not the signs of a failed state. She believes the coalition’s endurance reflects growing strength in the political landscape.

Pandor warned however that survival alone is not enough. She said the GNU must now sharpen its focus on urgent economic reforms and job creation.

Promise and Problems

Pandor was speaking on SABC’s Face the Nation this week. She welcomed the novelty of a national coalition beyond the early years of democracy. She said it is the first of its kind since 1994 except in the very early national government. She said that GNU survival so far is a positive development.

She pointed out that the economy recently grew by only 0.8 percent. She said this growth is far too low to make a dent in the country’s high unemployment, especially among young people. She asked why support for agriculture and tourism was not more visible. She asked what logistics and policy support was being offered.

Not a Failed State

Pandor rejected suggestions that South Africa is failing. She said important systems still work. Children continue to attend school. Salaries are paid. The private sector is active. Tax revenue is collected. The public service, though flawed in places, is still operating.

She said inefficiencies remain. She said policy signals are sometimes unclear. She asked what actual goals the coalition intends when it takes steps. She urged leaders to lead more decisively.

Coalitions Bring Strains

Pandor’s remarks come amid tension between the GNU’s leading parties: the ANC and the DA. Differences have emerged over the speed of economic reforms. There are arguments over who has influence in critical departments and over what priorities the government should place first.

Why This Matters

In a country grappling with uneven growth, high unemployment and public discontent, the symbolism of a working coalition carries weight. But as Pandor emphasises, symbolism must be backed by action. She suggests targeted interventions, especially in sectors where South Africa has potential like agriculture and tourism.

She said more clarity in policy and support is needed. She threw down the gauntlet for leadership that not only survives but delivers.

{Source: IOL}

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