RISE Mzansi becomes latest party to join ANC-led GNU

Source: EWN Traffic
Author: Maki Molapo

JOHANNESBURG - RISE Mzansi has become the latest party to join the African National Congress (ANC)-led Government of National Unity (GNU).

The party signed a statement of intent with the GNU on Friday after the party's National Leadership Collective (NLC)'s discussions.

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RISE Mzansi's addition follows that of the United Democratic Movement (UDM), the Freedom Front (FF) Plus, the Pan-Africanist Congress of Azania (PAC), and the Patriotic Alliance (PA) this week, further increasing its majority in the National Assembly.

"In yesterday's [Friday] meeting, the NLC decided that RISE Mzansi should form part of the GNU and national dialogue," said party leader Songezo Zibi.

"This is to ensure that the aspirations and hopes of the people who elected us to serve are heard."

This week, the party said it was still engaging in talks to consider its role should it form part of the GNU, adding that it wanted to ensure that the GNU had its priorities set out before officially joining the pact.

Zibi said they believe the GNU presents a unique opportunity for collaboration, and to influence the implementation of the issues found in its manifesto.

"These include ensuring that hunger and food insecurity are urgently addressed, freeing communities from crime and violence, delivering spatial and land justice that reshapes our urban and rural spaces to build thriving communities and economy, delivering economic justice to millions of South Africans who remain marginalised and poor, and the climate crisis is given the urgent attention it deserves to protect lives and livelihoods."