'Learn from the first GNU'

HISTORY: NATIONAL PARTY'S DECISION IN 1996 TO LEAVE COALITION LED TO ITS COLLAPSE

- Brian Sokutu

Mid growing tensions between the ANC and the DA over the country's policy direction in the government of national unity (GNU), the main political parties have been advised to learn from the past. Former minister of constitutional affairs and communications Roelf Meyer has cautioned the GNU leadership to put national interests above political party agendas.

Speaking to The Citizen on the sidelines of the three-day Kgalema Motlanthe Foundation Inclusive Growth Forum in the Drakensberg, the former defence minister under the apartheid regime said parties could "not agree on everything".

"As long as there are mechanisms to address differences, they should be able to continue," Meyer added.

"While my impression from the outside is that the GNU is doing well, I think the national interest should come before party agendas."

He said he regretted the National Party's (NP) decision to leave the GNU in 1996 during the Nelson Mandela presidency.

"This led to the NP's collapse and disappearance from the political scene.

"My view is that South Africa depends on the success of the GNU and all parties should stay committed," Meyer said.

Over the weekend, the Presidency and DA ministers in the GNU clashed, with party federal council chairperson Helen Zille fuelling the flames from the outside.