Progressive Caucus (South Africa): Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|Political |
{{Short description|Political alliance in South Africa}} |
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The '''Progressive Caucus''' is a political alliance in South Africa, formed in opposition to the Government of National Unity (GNU). At it's height it comprised seven parties: the [[Economic Freedom Fighters]] (EFF), [[Al Jama-ah]], [[United Democratic Movement]] (UDM), [[United African Transformation]] (UAT), [[African Transformation Movement]] (ATM), the [[Pan Africanist Congress of Azania]] (PAC), and the [[UMkhonto weSizwe (political party)|uMkhonto we Sizwe]] (MK) party. However, within a matter of days the PAC and UDM would leave Progressive Caucus and join the GNU on 19 June<ref>https://www.iol.co.za/the-star/news/pac-latest-party-to-join-gnu-promises-to-scrutinise-ancda-decisions-42534811-08b1-44a9-ae4f-1eb9ccc7dbcf</ref> and 21 June<ref>https://www.timeslive.co.za/politics/2024-06-21-udm-becomes-the-latest-party-to-join-anc-led-gnu/</ref> 2024 respectively. The Progressive Caucus collectively holds approximately 30% of the seats in the [[National Assembly of South Africa|National Assembly]]. |
The '''Progressive Caucus''' is a political alliance in South Africa, formed in opposition to the Government of National Unity (GNU). At it's height it comprised seven parties: the [[Economic Freedom Fighters]] (EFF), [[Al Jama-ah]], [[United Democratic Movement]] (UDM), [[United African Transformation]] (UAT), [[African Transformation Movement]] (ATM), the [[Pan Africanist Congress of Azania]] (PAC), and the [[UMkhonto weSizwe (political party)|uMkhonto we Sizwe]] (MK) party. However, within a matter of days the PAC and UDM would leave Progressive Caucus and join the GNU on 19 June<ref>https://www.iol.co.za/the-star/news/pac-latest-party-to-join-gnu-promises-to-scrutinise-ancda-decisions-42534811-08b1-44a9-ae4f-1eb9ccc7dbcf</ref> and 21 June<ref>https://www.timeslive.co.za/politics/2024-06-21-udm-becomes-the-latest-party-to-join-anc-led-gnu/</ref> 2024 respectively. The Progressive Caucus collectively holds approximately 30% of the seats in the [[National Assembly of South Africa|National Assembly]]. |
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Revision as of 15:50, 22 June 2024
The Progressive Caucus is a political alliance in South Africa, formed in opposition to the Government of National Unity (GNU). At it's height it comprised seven parties: the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Al Jama-ah, United Democratic Movement (UDM), United African Transformation (UAT), African Transformation Movement (ATM), the Pan Africanist Congress of Azania (PAC), and the uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party. However, within a matter of days the PAC and UDM would leave Progressive Caucus and join the GNU on 19 June[1] and 21 June[2] 2024 respectively. The Progressive Caucus collectively holds approximately 30% of the seats in the National Assembly.
The MK party, led by former president Jacob Zuma, joined the Progressive Caucus on 17 June after securing 14.6% of the vote and 58 seats in the National Assembly in the 2024 elections. MK's surprising performance solidified its position as the third-largest party in parliament.[3]
Despite initially boycotting the first sitting of the National Assembly over allegations of vote-rigging—which the court dismissed as without merit—MK decided to align with the Progressive Caucus to strengthen the opposition against the GNU.[4][5] However, the inclusion of the MK does not gain the Progressive Caucus enough seats in the National Assembly to block any law or constitutional amendment due to the GNU's supermajority.[6]
The caucus was formed following the May 29, 2024, elections where the ANC lost its majority for the first time in 30 years. The ANC, which won 40%[7] of the vote, entered a coalition with the DA and other smaller parties to form a GNU. In contrast, the Progressive Caucus aims to provide a fiscally left-leaning alternative to this coalition.[8] The Progressive Caucus is not as unified on social policies with some members advocating right-wing positions such as the reintroduction of the death penalty[9][10] and the repeal of same-sex marriage laws.[11][12]
Objectives
The Progressive Caucus seeks to advance radical economic transformation and the policy of land appropriation without compensation. They view the presence of the DA in the GNU as being opposed to these principles, describing it as an alliance rooted in colonialism and apartheid.[4][citation needed]
Recent developments
In June 2024, the Progressive Caucus offered the ANC an opportunity to form a government without the DA and the Freedom Front Plus (FF+), proposing a more progressive coalition. This offer has yet to receive a formal response from the ANC.[13]
Herausforderungen
The Progressive Caucus has faced exclusion from significant GNU discussions,[5] leading to calls for a more inclusive and meaningful engagement process with the ANC. The EFF, a leading member of the caucus, has been particularly vocal about this exclusion, emphasising the need for a collaborative approach that respects the contributions of all parties involved. The EFF has refused the possibility that it will join the GNU if the DA or FF+ are included.
References
- ^ https://www.iol.co.za/the-star/news/pac-latest-party-to-join-gnu-promises-to-scrutinise-ancda-decisions-42534811-08b1-44a9-ae4f-1eb9ccc7dbcf
- ^ https://www.timeslive.co.za/politics/2024-06-21-udm-becomes-the-latest-party-to-join-anc-led-gnu/
- ^ https://www.news24.com/news24/politics/coalition-nation-mk-party-to-join-eff-atm-others-in-progressive-caucus-20240617
- ^ a b "Ex-leader Zuma's party says it will join opposition in South Africa's parliament". WSAU News/Talk 550 AM · 99.9 FM | Wausau, Stevens Point. Thomson Reuters. Retrieved 2024-06-18.
- ^ a b Patel, Faizel (2024-06-14). "Progressive Caucus led by EFF want urgent meeting with ANC over GNU". The Citizen. Retrieved 2024-06-18.
- ^ https://businesstech.co.za/news/government/777389/government-of-national-unity-now-has-a-supermajority-in-south-africa/
- ^ https://results.elections.org.za/dashboards/npe/
- ^ https://businesstech.co.za/news/government/777389/government-of-national-unity-now-has-a-supermajority-in-south-africa/
- ^ https://www.iol.co.za/sundayindependent/news/mk-party-wants-referendum-on-death-penalty-c432ec7d-6ca2-4c0a-a5af-57463ba006d8
- ^ https://www.news24.com/news24/politics/political-parties/patriotic-alliance-atm-want-the-death-penalty-research-shows-it-isnt-an-effective-crime-deterrent-20240430
- ^ https://www.timeslive.co.za/sunday-times-daily/politics/2024-01-14-jacob-zuma-campaigns-on-ticket-using-race-land-same-sex-laws-as-flashpoints/
- ^ https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/opinionista/2020-11-19-al-jama-ah-the-small-islamic-political-party-with-a-narrow-vision-and-big-ambitions/
- ^ Goba, Thabiso. "Progressive Caucus offers ANC chance to form govt without DA, FF+". EWN. Retrieved 2024-06-18.