Mashatile to Chair First Meeting of GNU Clearing House

Deputy President Paul Mashatile is set to chair the inaugural meeting of the Government of National Unity (GNU) clearing house mechanism as South Africa marks the milestone of 100 days in office for the current administration.

The GNU clearing house mechanism was established by President Cyril Ramaphosa last month to address policy disagreements within the 10-member GNU. As Leader of Government Business in Parliament, Deputy President Mashatile will lead the assembly of the GNU.

The political parties forming the GNU include the African National Congress (ANC), Democratic Alliance (DA), Patriotic Alliance (PA), Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), Good Party, Pan Africanist Congress of Azania (PAC), Freedom Front Plus (FF+), United Democratic Movement (UDM), Al Jama-ah, and Rise Mzansi.

All GNU signatories have agreed on three strategic priorities as the Minimum Programme of Action for the seventh administration. These priorities are driving inclusive growth and job creation, reducing poverty and tackling the high cost of living, and building a capable, ethical, and developmental state.

Given the diversity of parties in the GNU, occasional disagreements on policy and the implementation of the Minimum Programme of Action are anticipated. “To this effect, President Ramaphosa established the GNU clearing house mechanism, under the leadership of Deputy President Mashatile, to address these policy disagreements and other disputes,” read a statement from the Presidency.

The clearinghouse will not override Cabinet decisions, as the Cabinet remains the ultimate decision-making authority in government. However, it will ensure that GNU members develop a common understanding on critical policy issues.

Additionally, a Technical Committee will be established to serve as a processing channel for matters of divergence within the GNU. This committee will help facilitate the Political Leaders’ Forum, consisting of parties that signed the statement of intent.

The first meeting of the clearing house, which will be held virtually, is expected to focus on discussing and agreeing on the terms of reference for the mechanism.

Ahead of the meeting, Deputy President Mashatile expressed optimism about its potential outcomes. “I am certain that with the first meeting of the clearing house, parties will find common ground and that our collective commitment to serving all the people of South Africa will lead to greater accountability and foster trust between which will consist of parties that have  the electorate and the political parties forming the GNU,” he said.

The establishment of the GNU clearing house mechanism marks an important step in ensuring effective governance and resolving policy conflicts within the unity government.