KEMPTON PARK – DA leader John Steenhuisen’s perseverance has proven fruitful following a multiparty convention in Kempton Park that tackled significant issues, including leadership roles and power sharing. The convention’s outcomes come as a response to the pressing need for political unity and strategic cooperation in the face of upcoming national and provincial elections in 2024.
The convention, marked by spirited debates and strategic negotiations, saw Steenhuisen initially facing a setback on day one as seven political formations joined forces with the common goal of mounting a collective challenge in the upcoming elections. This cooperative effort set the tone for the discussions that followed, ultimately leading to a series of groundbreaking resolutions.
One of the most prominent victories for Steenhuisen was the agreement that the official opposition, led by the DA, would gain the lion’s share of power if the Multiparty Charter for SA manages to unseat the ANC. This decision came after a rigorous dialogue that acknowledged the need for a strategic allocation of leadership roles in the event of a political shift.
In a notable compromise, ActionSA managed to secure a resolution on day one that opened the Multiparty Charter to other parties, except for the EFF and ANC. This move paved the way for the inclusion of the Patriotic Alliance (PA), particularly aligning with the DA on matters related to immigration policy and the deportation of illegal immigrants.
Under the guidance of independent convention chairperson Professor William Gumede, the participating parties agreed to allocate leadership positions and government roles based on proportional representation. This approach ensures that parties’ influence is directly tied to their electoral support, promoting a fair distribution of power and responsibilities.
Furthermore, the multiparty coalition reached an accord that the cabinet positions would be shared in proportion to the votes each party receives. This strategy aims to prevent power struggles over positions and is a departure from the local government norm where such disputes have often led to disintegration.
Gumede emphasized the significance of this approach, stating, “The parties have agreed that power will be shared proportionally based on the election results received by each party.” He added that a merit-based approach will determine government positions and that the executive and legislative branches cannot be led by the same party.
The commitment to diversity and accountability was reflected in the resolution to enforce lifestyle audits of all executive members, along with the decision that the leader of the largest party will assume the role of leader of government business.
The convention also endorsed a reduction in the number of positions in the cabinet, streamlining the decision-making process. As discussions continue about the presidential role within the Charter, Gumede confirmed that the path toward forming the first pre-election coalition in South Africa’s modern history is well underway.
The convention’s conclusion on Thursday will unveil a declaration that outlines the coalition’s path forward. The hashtag #Charter24 has been adopted as the official social media identity for the coalition, signaling a new era of strategic collaboration and unity among the country’s political parties.