By Fumene G. Tsibani:
I am personally aware that the National Dialogue in South Africa is led by the Presidency, as mandated by Section 83(c) of the South African Constitution. This emphasizes the President’s role in promoting national unity and cohesion through inclusive and people-driven dialogue. As I reflect on the significance of national dialogue in South Africa, it is essential to recognize the President’s pivotal role in leading this process, as mandated by Section 83(c) of the South African Constitution. The President’s leadership is crucial in fostering a Government for National Unity (GfNU), which aims to promote socio-economic cohesion and transformation.
In this context, it is vital to distinguish between a Government of National Unity (GNU) reconfigured based on May 2024 provincial and national elections and a Government for National Unity (GfNU). The latter represents a desired state, led by the President, where national unity is prioritized.
Theoretically, a Government of National Unity (GNU) refers to a form of government where representatives from different political parties or organizations share power and decision-making responsibilities, typically in a proportional representation election system. This type of government is often formed in response to a crisis, conflict, or significant political change, with the aim of promoting stability, inclusivity, and cooperation between the parties involved. A GNU is characterized by power-sharing among different political parties or organizations, a proportional representation system, emphasis on cooperation and consensus-building, and is often formed in response to a crisis or conflict, in which president Cyril Ramaphosa navigated very well after May 2024 against all odds.
On the other hand, a Government for National Unity (GfNU) refers to a governance framework that prioritizes national cohesion, solidarity, and collective purpose ( See section 83 of the RSA Constitution). This approach emphasizes the importance of unity and resilience, inspired by the concept of “Imbumba yamanyama” (being solid as a rock). A GfNU is focused on promoting a shared national vision, honoring the sacrifices of those who fought for the National Democratic Revolution (NDR), and ensuring that their struggles are not in vain. The GfNU approach prioritizes national cohesion and solidarity, collective purpose, and a shared national vision, with a focus on promoting resilience and unity.
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The national dialogue, as a primary functional role of the presidency, is rooted in the Ubuntu paradigm. This African humanist philosophy, closely aligned with the Confucius paradigm, emphasizes communal values, social harmony, and moral principles in governance. At its core, Ubuntu encompasses the principles of interconnectedness, mutual support, and collective well-being. It recognizes that individual prosperity is inextricably linked to the prosperity of the community, and that the well-being of one is the well-being of all.
Similarly, the Confucius paradigm emphasizes the importance of ren (benevolence), yi (righteousness), and li (etiquette) in governance. Ren encompasses kindness, empathy, and humaneness, while yi emphasizes moral principles, justice, and social responsibility. Li focuses on social norms, respect, and harmony, providing a framework for constructive interaction among citizens.
Section 83(c) of the South African Constitution provides the theoretical framework for this approach, underscoring the President’s critical role in promoting national unity and cohesion. The Ubuntu paradigm guides the President’s leadership, emphasizing collective humanity, mutual respect, and reciprocity. By embracing these principles, the President can foster an environment conducive to national dialogue, where citizens feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute.
The convergence of Ubuntu and Confucius paradigms fosters a culture of social cohesion, active citizenship, and inclusive decision-making. By promoting unity and cooperation among citizens, these paradigms ensure that decision-making processes are inclusive and representative. In this context, foundations and other state organs play a supportive role, enabling the presidency to facilitate national dialogue effectively. This integrated approach strengthens the Government for National Unity (GfNU) and promotes a more harmonious society. By embracing the principles of Ubuntu and Confucius, South Africa can build a more cohesive and inclusive nation, where citizens work together towards a common goal.
Theoretically, the Government for National Unity (GfNU) represents a state of equilibrium, embodying the ideals of a Capable, Accountable, and Responsive (CAR) developmental state ( Tsibani, 2014, 2020). This conceptual framework can be effectively translated from theory to practice, providing a robust foundation for governance and development.
In essence, the GfNU paradigm seeks to establish a harmonious balance between the state, citizens, and other stakeholders, fostering an environment conducive to inclusive growth, social cohesion, and collective prosperity. By operationalizing the CAR principles, the GfNU can ensure that the state is capable of delivering effective public services, accountable to its citizens, and responsive to their needs and aspirations.
It appears that while a GNU is primarily focused on power-sharing and proportional representation, a GfNU is centered on promoting national unity, cohesion, and collective purpose. Crucially, the GfNU must be led by the State President, rather than foundations or other external entities. This leadership is essential for promoting a unified national vision and ensuring that the sacrifices of those who fought for the NDR are not in vain. This distinction is essential, as it highlights the President’s agency in driving national dialogue and foundations established on behalf of fallen heroes and heroines of our incomplete National Democratic Revolution ( NDR) and its two-stage theory, as articulated by Pallo Jordan then.
The National Dialogue must be revolutionary and people-driven. It is imperative that this national dialogue is inclusive, representing the diverse voices of South African society, including the working class, the agrarian working class, and the unemployed. Such an inclusive, productive engagement is authorised under the presidency, not necessarily under foundations and NGO, which, in my limited understanding of NGOs like Afriforum, are for regime change and burying the ANC under six feet in the 2026 local government elections. Surely, this regime change may reverse the gains of our maturing democracy, which needs to move to constituency representation.
Under a Government for National Unity (GfNU), constituency representation is a system of representation where elected representatives are accountable to a specific geographic area or constituency. This system is based on the theory of representative democracy, which holds that elected representatives should act on behalf of their constituents and make decisions that reflect their interests.
In a constituency representation system, representatives are elected by the people of a specific constituency, and are responsible for representing their interests and concerns in the government. This system is designed to ensure that the government is accountable to the people and that the interests of all citizens are represented.
The advantages of constituency representation under a GfNU include increased accountability, as representatives are directly accountable to their constituents, and more effective representation, as representatives are more likely to be aware of the specific needs and concerns of their constituents. Additionally, constituency representation can help to promote national unity, as representatives from different constituencies work together to address common challenges and interests.
Furthermore, constituency representation can help to reverse the gains of a maturing democracy, as it ensures that the government is responsive to the needs and concerns of all citizens, and that the interests of marginalized or underrepresented groups are taken into account. By providing a direct link between citizens and their government, constituency representation can help to build trust and confidence in the government and to promote a sense of ownership and participation among citizens.
In the context of South Africa’s maturing democracy, constituency representation under a GfNU can help to promote national unity, accountability, and effective representation. By moving towards a constituency representation system, South Africa can build on the gains of its democracy and ensure that the government is truly representative of the people.
It is empirically evident that neither Thabo Mbeki nor others can be considered founding leaders of the National Dialogue in South Africa. This is because our national dialogue is deeply rooted in the Ubuntu paradigm, which has been a cornerstone of our struggle against colonial and repressive state apparatuses. Our heroes and heroines have consistently employed the principles of Ubuntu to mobilize citizens and promote collective action.
The national dialogue in South Africa boasts a rich and diverse history, spanning over a century. This history dates back to 1891, with significant milestones including the formation of the Imbumba yamaNyama Congress, the South African Native National Congress (SANNC) in 1912, the African National Congress (ANC) in 1923, and the 1955 People’s Charter. Additionally, the 1976 Soweto Student Uprising marked a pivotal moment in our struggle for liberation, while OR Tambo’s military instructions in the 1980s paved the way for the release of political prisoners and the formation of the United Democratic Forum (UDM), which employed a mass-based methodology to mobilize citizens.
These events have played a pivotal role in shaping our national dialogue and informing our collective struggle for liberation and social justice. As we move forward, it is essential that we draw inspiration from these historical events and prioritize a people-driven approach to national dialogue. This approach must be grounded in the principles of Ubuntu, which emphasize the importance of collective humanity, mutual respect, and reciprocity. By embracing this people-driven approach, we can ensure that our national dialogue remains inclusive, participatory, and responsive to the needs and aspirations of all South Africans.
In conclusion, the Government for National Unity (GfNU) presents a unique opportunity for South Africa to promote national unity, cohesion, and collective purpose. By prioritizing a people-driven approach to national dialogue, we can ensure that our government remains accountable, responsive, and representative of the people.
The distinction between a Government of National Unity (GNU) and a GNU is crucial, as the latter represents a desired state led by the President, where national unity is prioritized. Theoretically, the GfNU is grounded in the principles of Ubuntu and Confucius, emphasizing collective humanity, mutual respect, democratic centralism, and reciprocity. This approach promotes inclusive, productive engagement, empowering citizens to shape their collective future.
The presidency plays a critical role in leading this process, as empowered by Section 83(c) of the South African Constitution. This section underscores the President’s capability, accountability, and responsiveness (CAR) in leading national dialogue. It is imperative that organs of civil society support the presidency, rather than leading the dialogue themselves, which could imply a need for regime change with far-reaching consequences.
As we move forward, it is essential to draw inspiration from our rich and diverse history. By working together, supporting the presidency, and prioritizing people-driven leadership, we can ensure that our national dialogue is truly transformative and inclusive.
The success of the GfNU depends on prioritizing collective humanity, mutual respect, and reciprocity. By embracing these principles, South Africa can build a truly united and cohesive society, where the sacrifices of those who fought and died for our freedom are not in vain.
As former US President Barack Obama once said, “Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.”
Dr. Fumene George Tsibani (Water Governance and Programme Evaluation Expert), University of Johannesburg. Writing in his personal capacity.
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