President Cyril Ramaphosa has convened a confidential two-day retreat with leaders of political parties within the Government of National Unity (GNU) to assess the state of the coalition and its future direction. The meeting is taking place at the Cradle of Humankind in Krugersdorp and will conclude tomorrow.
Ramaphosa invited GNU leaders to the session without disclosing its agenda and instructed participants to keep the discussions private. The meeting comes amid speculation about the president’s political future, internal tensions within the coalition, and growing calls for improved coordination among partners.
Freedom Front Plus leader Corné Mulder welcomed the long-awaited gathering, describing it as a vital opportunity to discuss how the GNU is managed. He cautioned that the current structure gives too much control to the presidency rather than being collectively led by coalition party heads. “We need to meet regularly and steer the GNU together,” Mulder said.
The retreat is expected to address the balance of power between major parties such as the ANC and DA, the framework for next year’s national budget, and the possible expansion of the GNU to include other political groups. Ramaphosa’s spokesperson confirmed that the session would remain closed to the media to allow leaders to engage “freely and openly.”
Political observers believe the discussions could set the tone for stabilizing the GNU, improving cooperation, and shaping South Africa’s economic and international policy priorities in the months ahead.
