Mogale City, South Africa – Leaders of South Africa’s ten political parties forming the Government of National Unity met at the Cradle of Humankind in Gauteng on Monday 3 November 2025 for a two-day retreat to review progress on the implementation of their joint Statement of Intent, discuss pressing national and international issues, and address critical challenges facing the country.
The meeting included President Cyril Ramaphosa and Deputy President Paul Mashatile of the ANC, John Steenhuisen of the DA, Velenkosini Hlabisa of the IFP, Gayton McKenzie of the PA, Corné Mulder of the FF Plus, Bantu Holomisa of the UDM, Songezo Zibi of Rise Mzansi, Ganief Hendricks of Al Jama-Ah, Mzwanele Nyhontso of the PAC, and Brett Herron of Good.
Leaders agreed the GNU is united and strong and pledged to meet regularly to provide strategic political direction. While acknowledging past challenges, including difficulties during the 2025 budget process, they said lessons had been learned and committed to more effective consultation in setting fiscal priorities and frameworks.
Since signing the Statement of Intent 16 months ago, the GNU has provided stability and leadership, focusing on unemployment, poverty, the cost of living, crime, corruption, and service delivery. Parties have worked together to advance inclusive growth, create jobs, expand early childhood development, diversify exports, maintain macroeconomic stability, and strengthen law enforcement and public institutions. Efforts to remove South Africa from the FATF grey list, alongside legislative reforms and oversight by bodies such as the Special Investigating Unit, have strengthened the country’s capacity to prevent and prosecute corruption and serious crime. The GNU has also reinforced South Africa’s role in regional and international peace and security.
The retreat reviewed the Medium Term Development Plan, which guides the administration’s priorities over five years. Leaders agreed to accelerate implementation in key areas, including improving urgency and efficiency in government programmes, streamlining processes and structures, professionalising and depoliticising the public service, addressing food insecurity, expanding skills development and youth employment opportunities, intensifying law enforcement against gangsterism and organised crime, appointing capable leadership in the criminal justice system, strengthening municipal oversight, responding to illegal immigration, and enhancing governance and board standards for state-owned enterprises.
The meeting also reviewed South Africa’s international relations, received a briefing from the Minister of Finance on the economic outlook and fiscal priorities, and discussed progress on the National Dialogue coordinated by the Eminent Persons Group. Leaders ratified the GNU Clearing House Mechanism to address policy and operational differences within the unity government.
The forum congratulated the Proteas Women’s cricket team for reaching the ICC Women’s World Cup finals, describing the achievement as a source of inspiration for female athletes across all sports.
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