South Africa's unity government a lesson for Africa

Some observers have rightly considered South Africa’s recent elections as a success story for the country and the continent. In an analysis in The East African, Abdisaid M Ali notes that governments of national unity (GNU) in Africa have often arisen out of conflicts as a compromise power-sharing arrangement to end war or solve a disputed election. ‘We have seen it in South Sudan after the signing of the revitalised peace agreement in 2018. We also saw it in Kenya after the 2008 post-election violence. Zimbabwe too had some form of government of national unity. The ANC, however, reached out to partners even when the election result was not in dispute. It did so to turn its internal crisis into a national crisis. That may not be fair to South Africans. From a conflict prevention perspective, however, going the coalition/GNU route was a better option. That it went for an arch enemy was also telling. But perhaps it was because choices were limited.’

The author notes that the administrative efficiency of the Democratic Alliance, as shown in its reign in the Western Cape Province, stands out against the corruption and failures of the ANC. ‘While President (Cyril) Ramaphosa may have some weaknesses, his handling of the post-election situation and going the dialogue and collaboration route is true to his character. Through this action, South Africa sets an example of peaceful transitions, inclusivity, bridging divides and conflict prevention. The call for GNU is pragmatic and prevents conflicts. It pursues collaboration over tensions and creates an environment for stability for the economy to remain stable and thrive. It also gives South Africa to approach critical bipartisan issues more collaboratively.