ActionSA noted on Friday that it will not be voting for the candidates for the offices of President, Speaker or Deputy Speaker at Friday's inaugural meeting of parliamentarians of the seventh administration, saying this would be tantamount to voting for a “pig in a poke”.

Chief Justice Raymond Zondo is officiating the sitting.

ActionSA parliamentary caucus leader Athol Trollip said the decision was taken in the context of the party being an “uncompromised opposition party” that will deal with each decision in Parliament on its merits and in the interest of South Africa.

He said the negotiated grand coalition did not “possess the humility” to engage ActionSA.

After losing its outright majority in the May 29 elections, the African National Congress invited political parties to form a national unity government.

“ActionSA will not vote for candidates without the knowledge of how the Cabinet will be formed, the reduction of ministries, the removal from contention of those implicated in State capture and the fitness for purpose of those nominated to head ministries. ActionSA will not support a ‘lucky packet' government,” said Trollip.

The party highlighted that while it was aware that its support would likely not be material to the outcome of the election on Friday, ActionSA offers “free advice” from a party with leaders who have run successful coalitions.

Trollip explained that his party was troubled by the tone set by the government of unity, saying it was above engaging and consulting with the opposition.

“…it causes the very real concern that this grand coalition will govern with disdain for the opposition. Our young democracy has seen arrogant majority governments treating the opposition with disdain which makes it surprising that this mooted ‘Grand coalition’ government has gotten off on the same footing so quickly,” he added.

ActionSA said it would seek engagements with representatives of the grand coalition in the coming days to invite a more engaging and consultative working relationship with opposition parties going forward.

“It is hoped that the grand coalition government learns from this experience that ActionSA will be a constructive opposition with our support being available on the merits of the decision in question. This will be a precondition to this engagement and consultation,” said Trollip.