President Cyril Ramaphosa has set up a clearing house mechanism to resolve policy disagreements within the 10-member government of national unity (GNU).
The clearing house will not override cabinet decisions but will ensure that parties “find each other” on policy matters, minister in the presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said.
Its a mechanism that links the political party leaders forum and the work that the government is doing but it doesn’t replace cabinet decisions because cabinet powers are legislated,” Ntshavheni said during a press conference following Wednesday’s cabinet meeting.
The Basic Education Laws Amendment (Bela) and National Health Insurance (NHI) Acts, which were recently signed into law by Ramaphosa have been a point of contention within the GNU, with the DA saying that it has not ruled out legal action in order to amend the legislation.
Basic education minister, the DA’s Siviwe Gwarube did not attend the signing of the Bela bill into law last week. While signing it Ramaphosa delayed the implementation of those considered controversial clauses for three months to allow for further engagement. During a wide ranging interview with journalists in September, Ramaphosa threatened to fire Gwarube should she fail to implement the legislation.
The clearing house will be a platform to resolve fundamental differences within the GNU and “will allow the clarification of issues and common movement forward on matters”, Ntshavheni said.
“It is intended for the smoother running of cabinet decisions if there are differences and to be proactive in clearing these.”
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