The Post News "ANC has Lost Voter's Confidence"- Steenhuisen Defends Himself Against Mbheki's Open Letter.

(The Post News)- Leader of Democratic Alliance (DA) and Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen has come out with guns blazing to defend himself against the former president Thabo Mbheki’s open letter to him concerning the national dialogue.

In a letter that was shared on social media, Mbheki critisised Steenhuisen for their stance against the proposed National Dialogue, saying that the DA has serious issues with President Ramaphosa and the African National Congress concerning the functioning of the Government of National Unity(GNU), adding that DA’s move stems from what they believe was an unjust and unfair removal from Government of Deputy Minister Andrew Whitfield.

“You objected to this decision by the Head of the GNU, President Cyril Ramaphosa, saying that the expulsion of Mr Whitfield from Government was “excessive” considering that ‘President Ramaphosa had not acted against those implicated in wrong-doing by the Zondo Commission of Inquiry,” Mbheki stated.

In his defense, Steenhuisen retaliated saying Mbheki in saying that their decision to withdraw form the National Dialogue is due to the removal of DA’s deputy ministeron technical grounds which are far less than the moral and ethical transgression committed by several ANC ministers that have gone without any form of punishment.

“This double standard has been in place since the formation of the GNU.The ANC has ignored every important clause of the jointly signed Statement of Intent but you now expect us to enter a process of “dialogue” which we have had no role in conceptualizing or developing,” said Steenhuisen.

Steenhuisen said whhile their decision to stay away from the dialogue was hastened by the firing of the deputy minister, however it was not the sole reason for their scepticism about it, its purpose and also its timing.

He also added that, during Mbeki’s tenure as the President of the country,the government was given an overwhelming mandate by the electorate,and that it was neither appropriate nor democratic to enable unelected lobbyists and interest groups to govern.
He reminded Mbeki of his stance when developed the GEAR economic policy trajectory,that resulted into an outrage among some of the trade unions and the South African Communist Party, adding Mbeki stood firm and exercised his mandate to the benefit of the country.

“Of course,government should consult -and public consultation is an important component of all statutory processes on every issue.We support this and participate fully where appropriate,” he added.

According to Steenhuisen, South Africans have grown weary of dialogues,talk shops,symposia and colloquiums, adding that people are desperately in need of action and implementation.

Steenhuisen further stated that ANC has lost the confidence of the voters, and its leaders including Mbeki are now looking for ways of addressing this issue as if it were a national crisis.