OPINION | First 100 days of GNU a mix of vital achievements and notable challenges

In a landmark moment for SA, the government of national unity (GNU) celebrates its first 100 days in office. This period has been nothing short of a whirlwind, with the new administration spearheading a series of ambitious reforms and initiatives aimed at reshaping the nation’s future.

From economic revitalisation to social upliftment, the GNU has set a dynamic pace, promising a brighter and more inclusive future for all South Africans.

The past 100 days have seen the GNU tackling some of the country’s most pressing issues head-on. Economic policies have been questioned with the aim to stimulate growth and create jobs, with a particular focus on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises and attract foreign direct investment. The administration’s commitment to social justice has been evident in its efforts to address inequality and improve access to essential services such as healthcare and education.

Finance minister Enoch Godongwana has been actively pursuing several key initiatives to drive the country’s economic recovery.

His recent efforts include implementing policies to stimulate growth and support small businesses, such as providing tax incentives and grants to encourage entrepreneurship and innovation. For instance, the recent introduction of the Small Business Support Fund aims to provide financial assistance and mentorship to emerging enterprises.

Godongwana has come out and emphasised fiscal discipline, focusing on reducing the budget deficit and managing public debt more effectively.

Parks Tau has swiftly made his mark as minister of trade, industry and competition. In a bid to stabilise governance, after taking office he immediately addressed vacancies and strengthened leadership within his department. Furthermore, the minister has established an ambitious R100bn infrastructure programme set to invigorate economic growth and generate much needed jobs.

Ronald Lamola, minister of international relations and co-operation has made significant strides in his new role and has prioritised economic diplomacy, successfully managed to attract $6bn in foreign direct investment to bolster the national economy.

Lamola has also been instrumental in promoting regional stability and economic integration within the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

Lamola has shown a strong commitment to human rights advocacy. He has emphasised that SA continues to support global human rights causes, including the Palestinian cause and advocates for peaceful conflict resolutions. These initiatives underscore his dedication to aligning SA’s foreign policy with national economic interests while maintaining a robust stance on human rights and regional co-operation.

Gayton McKenzie, minister of sports, arts and culture has been proactive in his new role and has taken several significant steps to revitalise these sectors.

McKenzie has also focused on strengthening sports in schools, collaborating with the minister of basic education, Siviwe Gwarube, to enhance the implementation of sports, arts and culture programmes in educational institutions.

Minister of agriculture, John Steenhuisen has championed precision farming, which uses GPS and data analytics to optimise crop yields and reduce waste, thereby enhancing productivity and environmental sustainability as his focus point.

To empower black farmers, Steenhuisen has expanded financial and technical assistance programmes, such as the Black Farmer Empowerment Initiative, which offers grants and low-interest loans to black-owned agricultural enterprises. This initiative aims to increase black farmers’ participation in the agricultural value chain, promoting inclusivity and economic growth.

Leon Schreiber, minister of home affairs has geared his efforts to address immigration backlogs and improve the efficiency of the department.

Minister of police, Senzo Mchunu has faced backlash for the high crime rates in certain areas and the perceived lack of effective measures to address these issues. His budget speech was met with wide-ranging criticism, with MPs highlighting the high murder rates and the exorbitant VIP protection budget for politicians. The public has also expressed frustration over incidents of violent crime, such as the mass shooting in the Eastern Cape that left 18 people dead.

The first 100 days of the GNU have been a mix of significant achievements and notable challenges. Overall, the actions of the ministers under the GNU have been met with significant hope by the citizens, businesses and international market.

The country has demonstrated unity and a renewed belief in a better SA. Despite debates and threats from the DA to leave the GNU due to disagreements with the ANC, I believe that under Cyril Ramaphosa’s leadership, the administration of the GNU is in capable hands.

The ministers have shown strong support for delivering on their mandates. As the GNU progresses, it must continue to address these challenges while building on its achievements. The focus should remain on improving the lives of South Africans, fostering economic growth and ensuring good governance at all levels. The coming months will be crucial in determining the long-term success of this historic coalition.

The road ahead will undoubtedly present challenges, but the foundation laid in these first few months offers a promising glimpse of a brighter future for SA.

• Lesele is a chartered accountant working in the banking sector. He writes in his personal capacity