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The Government Of National Unity (GNU) is creating a few interesting and unlikely alliances across the country post-election.

In the latest episode of South Africa’s favourite soapie, Motion Or No Motion, the Oudtshoorn Municipality has now shown the ANC and FF Plus join hands to kick the DA out of its local version of the GNU (not pictured above), replacing the DA’s Chris Macpherson with the ANC’s Jongilizwe Tyatya as mayor, and the FF Plus’ Johannes Allers as deputy mayor.

The Patriotic Alliance’s Suzanne Jansen rounds up the strange marriage after being elected speaker.

The latest political musical chairs come after the FF Plus joined the ANC, PA, GOOD and the Oudtshoorn Community Initiative by voting in favour of a motion of no confidence in McPherson. The motion was passed, bringing to an end the short reign of the previous marriage between the DA, FF Plus, the Independent Civic Organisation of South Africa [Icosa], and Suid-Kaap Saamstaan.

The FF Plus’ Corné Mulder however said all parties would work together (this time) to establish a government of local unity in Oudtshoorn.

“This is a unique opportunity to create a new model for local government which will bring about inclusive growth and progress. The FF Plus will ensure that the interests of Greater Oudtshoorn residents are prioritised and that stability is not jeopardised by the rash actions of one party.”

The DA does not seem so excited.

“The Democratic Alliance in Oudtshoorn is deeply disappointed that the Freedom Front Plus (FF+) has placed their party interest above the residents of the Karoo town.”

Disappointed? Ja well, try being an ordinary South African amidst all the political convolution.

The DA’s federal chairperson, Helen Zille, also entered the fray.

“This was their plan from the beginning. They’ve been talking with the ANC for a long time. And they were instrumental in voting out a DA mayor despite a coalition agreement … and then getting themselves elected mayor by the ANC.”

“Politically, and in terms of good faith, based on our coalition agreement, it’s real betrayal they caused the instability, and then they pretend to solve the instability and I’ll just say to them, we’ll see them at the ballot box.”

Mulder shot back.

“We found that the DA was an impossible coalition partner because of the shenanigans of the mayor. He broke the coalition agreement on more than one occasion. And we tolerated that for a long time until it was completely not possible anymore.”

“They should really wake up.”

After emerging as a hung council following the 2021 elections, the DA managed to lasso the Suid-Kaap Saamstaan and FF Plus into a coalition, but it now seems the FF Plus believe they have a better chance at creating a stable local government with the ANC. Good luck to them, and the residents of Oudtshoorn.

Judging by the national trend, Oudtshoorn might see another motion of no confidence drop before summer. Watch this space.

[source:news24]