MK 'blue-ticks' ANC as it opens coalition talks with 'all parties'

The party briefed the media following a meeting of its national working committee, where it discussed provincial premier candidates and considered coalition partners.

For the first time in democratic South Africa, the ANC failed to win a governing majority, necessitating the formation of a government with other parties.

It enters the national coalition talks with 40.18%, while the DA has 21.81%, the new MK Party holds 14.58%, and the EFF has 9.52%.

While most analysts have been focused on possible coalition agreements with the DA, EFF and the MK party, the ANC said the door remains open to everyone. 

Spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said a decision was made to act in the interest of the country and its people.

"The ANC is keen and determined to engage all parties and unite the broadest range of sectors of our population behind the urgent need to move our country out of the current potential electoral stalemate.

“The ANC is driven by the imperative to maintain national unity and stability and to put in place a government that will move with speed to tackle all the pressing socio-economic challenges our nation faces. 

“We believe that despite any differences we may have, working together as South Africans, we can seize this moment to usher our country into a new era of hope. Informed by these imperatives, the ANC has started engagements with political parties in the country," said Bhengu-Motsiri.

She also revealed that the ANC had already met with various political parties in the wake of the election results. 

"We have been meeting with all parties that are keen to contribute ideas on how we can collectively move our country forward to form a government that ensures national unity and stability, continues the transformation of South Africa, and safeguards our constitutional democracy.

“The national working committee met on 4 June, 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, the EFF, the DA, the NFP, and the PA. 

“The ANC has also had engagements with its alliance partners, SACP, COSATU, and SANCO, as part of the consultation process," said Bhengu-Motsiri.

However, Bhengu-Motsiri said the ANC had received no response from the Jacob Zuma-led MK.

"The national officials reported to the NWC that the ANC has repeatedly reached out to the MK party 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.

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