African National Congress ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula has urged members of the Government of National Unity to set aside political differences and stand together as one unit.
This appeal follows the Democratic Alliances DA decision to withdraw from the upcoming National Dialogue, scheduled for August. The DA cited dissatisfaction over the removal of its deputy minister, Andrew Whitfield, who had made an unsanctioned trip to the United States.
Mbalula emphasises that the National Dialogue is not a political platform for any party, but rather a national initiative aimed at building a more inclusive and sustainable future for all South Africans.
Speaking to the media outside the ANCs O.R. Tambo Regional Conference in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, he says, "There will be differences in this Government of National Unity GNU because we did not come here as like-minded political parties. Those things that unite us outweigh those that divide us."
Mbalula stresses that a party cannot threaten to withdraw from the GNU or push for a motion of no confidence simply because of a disagreement over a single issue.