(Bloomberg) — A structure aimed at enabling South Africa’s 10-party coalition government to resolve disputes met for the first time and agreed to further discuss a new education law that has divided the partners.
Most read from Bloomberg
Vice President Paul Mashatile on Wednesday chaired the first meeting of the so-called clearinghouse mechanism, which will ensure that all participants in the government “develop a common understanding of crucial policy issues”, the presidency said in a statement. However, the cabinet remains the final decision-making body of the government.
“It was appreciated that contradictions are inevitable in coalition governments,” the presidency said in a statement after the meeting.
The next meeting will take place on October 24 and will discuss reports on the upcoming South African presidency of the G20, as well as “policy challenges such as the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act, specifically on the two clauses that the President has requested” are part of the dialogue with relevant parties.”
A national unity government was established after the African National Congress lost its parliamentary majority in the May 29 elections. She has identified growing the economy and creating jobs as a top priority.
While the business-friendly approach sparked a rally in the fringe and stock markets during the first 100 days of his term, the parties remain at odds over the ANC’s plans to introduce a national health insurance scheme and overhaul its school admissions policies. change.
Presidency spokesman Vincent Magwenya said the coalition government was likely to serve out its five-year term.
“We are equally confident that, despite the disagreements that have yet to arise, no member of the GNU will leave,” he told reporters on Wednesday. That view has been strengthened “now that you have a mechanism that comes in when disputes arise,” he said.
Most read from Bloomberg Businessweek
©2024 BloombergLP