Leader of the UAT, Wonder Mahlatsi, says his party cut ties with the GNU. Picture: Bantu Wonder Mahlatsi (Facebook)
The United Africans Transformation (UAT) has officially cut ties with the Government of National Unity (GNU), alleging it had received a cold shoulder from the ANC.
Before its apparent departure from the Progressive Caucus following Al Jama-ah and UDM, and leaving the EFF and African Transformation Movement (ATM) on the opposition benches, UAT initially held a caucus meeting with the ANC proposing joining the GNU on June 25.
According to the UAT’s leader, Wonder Mahlatsi, they had agreed with the ANC that both parties would not speak to the media until the signing of the Statement of Intent from the ANC secretary-general’s office, Fikile Mbalula.
“Both parties took a resolution that no party should issue a media statement until the parties receive the signed statement from the office of the security general of the ANC. Regretfully, despite this assurance, the ANC has not provided any necessary clarity and follow through on the commitment,” said Mahlatsi.
President Cyril Ramaphosa previously declared 11 parties were part of the broad coalition government, including the UAT; but surprisingly, the GNU Cabinet was announced prior to concluding negotiations with the ANC.
“We were surprised and disappointed to hear the president announce that the GNU is inclusive of all parties, including the UAT without any formal conclusion with our talks. This announcement was made without prior consultation or an agreement with us, leading to confusion and raising serious concern about the integrity and transparency of the progress,” said Mahlatsi.
Unlike other parties in the GNU nest, the UAT is the only party that was not given ministerial offices, or chairing a committee portfolio.
UAT only scooped up one seat in the National Assembly post-election results.
For further clarity, the UAT had written a letter to Mbalula on July 1, which he seemingly ignored. However, it was acknowledged by his personal assistant, of which it was later taken up to the ANC’s chief whip, Mdumiseni Ntuli.
“We wrote a letter to the secretary-general of the ANC to seek clarity on the matter, but he chose to ignore us as the personal assistant did acknowledge the email. We then referred the matter to the chief whip in Parliament and we are yet to receive any response. In light of the ANC’s failure to provide clarity and fulfil their commitment, the UAT decided to distance itself from the GNU,” said Mahlatsi.
Mahlatsi emphasised the ANC snubbing them and its indecisiveness, led the UAT to leave the multiparty coalition, returning to the opposition benches.
He furthermore noted, as party mandate, they will continue being a pan-Africanism mouthpiece, adding they will hold the government accountable in any found misconduct.
“The UAT is not part of the GNU. We cannot, in good consciousness, be a part of a government that does not engage in good faith negotiations and honour its promises.
“The UAT will continue to serve as a progressive opposition party who will hold the government accountable and advocate the interests and well-being of the citizens. Our commitment to African programmes: hunger, land, transformation, justice, equitable development remain unwavering,” said Mahlatsi.
The Star
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