As more parties are involved in coalition negotiations, the African National Congress has announced that it has tried in vain to engage the Umkhonto weSizwe Party in a possible political marriage.

SNUBBED

Addressing the media about the outcomes of the ANC national working committee (NWC) this afternoon, spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said that the MK Party has snubbed them in the coalition talks. "The national officials reported to the NWC that the ANC has repeatedly reached out to the MKP for an engagement meeting with no positive response. Our door remains open as we continue to reach out to every party that is keen to contribute positively to moving our country forward," she said. Soon after the election results were announced, former president Jacob Zuma's daughter, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, ruled out a coalition with the ANC. Zuma-Sambudla told the journalists on Sunday that her father had indicated that he was open to working with a black progressive party but not the ANC led by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

HOPING FOR THE BEST

Bhengu-Motsiri said that they have been meeting with all parties that are keen to contribute ideas of moving forward to form a government that ensures national unity and stability. "The NWC met on 4 June 2024, two days after the announcement of the results by the IEC to receive a report from the national officials on the meetings held thus far with various political parties. These include meetings with delegations from the IFP, EFF, DA, NFP and PA. The ANC has also had engagements with its alliance partners, SACP, COSATU and SANCO as part of the consultation process," she said, adding that the current situation has created some uncertainties and risks. Motsiri said that many other democracies who face similar challenges of forming government often take months of uncertainty to reach a conclusion. "The ANC remains committed to ensure that we build a national consensus to avoid any uncertainty that can lead to instability. The national executive committee of the ANC will come with a clear determination of the way forward and will engage ANC, alliance, civil society, and all South Africans on our view about the immediate next steps and the future," she said.