CoGTA Minister describes GNU as ‘a bold, necessary step in the right direction’

Newly appointed Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister, Velenkosini Hlabisa, has emphasised his party’s commitment to a stable and successful Government of National Unity (GNU).

“The GNU is not about politics but about the will of the people for the future of our country. We campaigned and expressed our views to the electorate, but the electorate in response, said ‘work together’,” Hlabisa said.  

Hlabisa, the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) leader, spoke during Friday’s debate on the Opening of Parliament Address (OPA). 

The debate is in response to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s OPA delivered in Cape Town on Thursday, where he outlined government’s agenda, priorities, and policies for the next five years.

Hlabisa told Members of Parliament (MPs) that his party will continue in their founder’s footsteps, Chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi, who spoke “loudly” on behalf of the people. 

“We will continue to play that role constructively in the GNU for the good of our country,” he said. 

He described the GNU as a bold and necessary step in the right direction. 

“We have repositioned South Africa to embark on a journey of rebuilding herself and the future of our generation and the generations to come. 

“The real way of changing the lived reality of every South African must proceed with the utmost haste. The change voters demand must be practically seen, felt and experienced in the next few months.”

Hlabisa welcomed the plan laid out yesterday evening by President Ramaphosa. 

He is of the view that the President’s OPA opened a new chapter for the country under the collective wisdom, skills and capabilities of leaders who chose to work together for the sake of the people of South Africa. 

Municipalities

The IFP has welcomed the position taken by the President about reviewing the Municipal Funding Model to ensure that municipalities become fully functional.

Hlabisa is of the view that this marks a turning point in the country’s 30-year history.

“The IFP believes that local government is a critical sphere of government to impact development and change in the lives of the people of South Africa.” 

As the Minister of CoGTA, Hlabisa said he was determined to see all municipalities receive the administrative, technical and financial support needed to become viable, stable, and able to deliver and maintain infrastructure.

He took the time to thank the President for his commitment to appoint political champions of the District Development Model (DDM) to fast-track the “one-plan” solution.

“With the DDM institutionalised, champions working tirelessly and CoGTA playing its role, we will ensure that every municipality works.”

Hlabisa said his party will also champion the interests of and deepen working partnerships with traditional and Khoi San leaders as they play a key role in a stable democracy.

Disaster management

The Minister touched on climate change, which has necessitated a new approach to disaster management that is proactive, less bureaucratic and timeous.

He also spoke about the devastation that has engulfed the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal residents following the floods and wildfire.

“The IFP is committed to the continued development of a new approach in dealing with disaster management.”

He stated that the GNU must be seen to be responsive, empowering and a force for good.

“It must work, as the IFP has always done, hand in hand with the people.”

In addition, he said his party was committed to a national dialogue to address social cohesion, landlessness and the growing gap between the rich and poor.

“We are committed to creating a stable GNU, that is responsive and delivers. This is our commitment to South Africa.” – SAnews.gov.za