Traditional leaders back Government of National Unity!

TRADITIONAL leaders associated with the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (Contralesa) have joined the clamour of those urging South Africans to give the Government of National Unity (GNU) a chance.

They were among thousands who participated in the Presidential inauguration held at the Union Buildings in Tshwane on Wednesday, 19 June.

This is where President Cyril Ramaphosa was sworn in for his second term.

The formal proceedings were attended by a large number of people, both young and old.

A representative of the traditional chiefs, Mabhekaphezulu Khumalo, said in 1994, it was a different GNU, but 30 years later it's also a different one.

"In this seven-year administration, we need a Government of National Unity, and those in authority must accept the new state of government and make peace.

"Though there are great expectations for service delivery, we can only hope for a successful outcome," he said.

He added that traditional leaders should be included in all government decision-making.

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Political science Professor Dirk Kotze from Unisa told Daily Sun that originally, neither party preferred the government of national unity.

He said they were compelled to form a coalition because there isn't a majority party.

"The ANC and DA are crucial to the success of the National Government of Unity because the other parties will need to take decisive action and support the two parties' desire to see the government through to completion," he said.

Kagiso Mguni from Kagiso, Mogale City expressed her happiness at the inauguration, stating that a merger of the parties would ease the issues Mzansi people are facing.

"The president's inauguration ought to move more quickly to address issues that local communities are facing, such as portholes, water shortages, high rates of crime, and unemployment. These issues are now known as load-shedding reduction," she said.

Actress Florence Masebe has praised South Africans for turning out in large numbers to see Ramaphosa take office for a second term.

Masebe said she was moved by the way people from all walks of life came together to celebrate a seamless handover to the 7th administration.