The African National Congress (ANC) and the Democratic Alliance (DA) have pledged to cooperate through a voluntary Government of National Unity (GNU) through the signing of a Statement of Intent.

On behalf of their respective parties, ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula and DA Federal Council chairperson Helen Zille signed the document which aims to foster trust between the electorate and the parties that will make up the GNU, including the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP).

The document was signed on Friday, as the first sitting of the National Assembly got underway and members of the National Assembly were sworn in.

The parties agreed to an ANC State President and Speaker, and a DA Deputy Speaker.

“The parties to this Statement of Intent agree that when committees of Parliament are constituted, the spirit of a Parliament of National Unity shall be implemented to enable parties that are part of the GNU to be accorded leadership positions of some committees. In this regard the parties agree that the IFP shall be elected to the position of Chair of Chairs,” the document revealed.

The Statement of Intent outlines focus priorities for the seventh administration, which includes rapid economic growth, job creation, land reform, infrastructure development, fiscal sustainability and macro-economic management.

The document also lays out the need to deal with poverty, spatial inequalities, food security and improving basic services.

Parties pledged to stabilise local government and review the role of traditional leadership in the governance framework.

Also discussed was the need for a corrupt-free public service and the restructuring of State-owned entities.

“The parties to this GNU Statement of Intent shall, following the formation of the GNU, hold a Lekgotla (Strategy Session) to develop an agreed policy agenda, which shall include policy priorities for the GNU,” the document read.

Further, it stressed the need for GNU parties to work together in “good faith” and constitute a government that “reflects genuine inclusiveness of political parties that are party to this Statement of Intent and are represented in the National Assembly.”

The document outlines that the President will consult with the leaders of the GNU parties on appointments of Members of the Executive.

“The GNU shall take decisions in accordance with the established practice of consensus. Where no consensus is possible, the principle of sufficient consensus shall apply. Sufficient consensus exists when all parties have had the opportunity to express their views; despite reasonable attempts to resolve disagreements, and find common ground, there is no general consensus; parties to the GNU representing 60% of seats in the National Assembly agree; and any party that disagrees has been able to formally record their objections,” the document said.

GNU parties also agreed to the establishment of dispute resolution, or deadlock-breaking mechanisms, in instances where there is no consensus.

In attempting to ensure that provincial governments are stable, the GNU Statement of Intent and Modalities may be used to guide such approaches.

A GNU Consultations Council will be formed by the parties to monitor the progress on the GNU’s minimum programme.

GNU parties will also deliberate if other parties show interest in becoming part of the GNU.