Come dine with me: Ramaphosa to host GNU partners to discuss Cabinet dispute resolution

President Cyril Ramaphosa will host political leaders of parties that are signatories to the government of national unity (GNU) to review his Cabinet's functioning so far.

According to Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya, the purpose of the dinner is to provide an opportunity for a review on the functioning of the GNU thus far and to discuss in detail the formulation of a dispute resolution mechanism. The dinner will take place on Wednesday evening in Cape Town. 

This amid heavy criticism from the one of the GNU's key stakeholders, the DA, due to Ramaphosa's intention to sign into law the controversial Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill into law.

Magwenya, who addressed journalists in Parliament on Wednesday, said Ramaphosa remained satisfied with the GNU's work.

"This is an opportunity for all party leaders to provide their own assessments and give feedback to the president. Leaders will be able to raise any issues of concern.

"The president is also enthused with the level of dedication and commitment that has been demonstrated by members of his national executive, as well as the level of collaboration that ministers from different parties have applied in resolving challenges facing the government and the country," he added.

Speaking on the Bela Bill, Magwenya said there was no provision in the Constitution for the president's decision to be subject to negotiation or agreement with any other party or individual.

"The president remains firmly committed to engaging fully and openly with parties in the GNU on this matter and any other matter of concern. It is disturbing that whenever there is a dispute, you will hear threats being made to the stability of the GNU.

"It is disturbing because such threats are not only directed to the president, but they are also directed at the stability of the country. There are threats directed to South Africans.

"The GNU must remain stable and united as it is called the GNU for the benefit of the country. It is not there for the benefit of any individual political leader. It has been formulated for the benefit of all South Africans," he added.

On Friday, Ramaphosa would sign the BELA Bill into law at the Union Buildings, the Presidency announced on Wednesday. 

According to DA leader and Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen, the party made it clear during its negotiations the BELA Bill was unacceptable to it in its current form. 

Steenhuisen had argued because the legislation had constitutional implications for the right to mother-tongue education, the DA urged Ramaphosa to send the bill back to Parliament "for a few simple amendments to bring it in line with the Constitution".

The bill was passed by 223 votes against 78 in the National Assembly on 17 May and has since then been awaiting Ramaphosa's signature to be signed into law.

Meanwhile, Magwenya said Ramaphosa was enthused by the level of dedication and commitment demonstrated by members of his national executive.

"One example of such collaboration was the partnership between Minister John Steenhuisen and Minister Ronald Lamola in securing the new trade dispensation with China on South African beef.

"The president believes this dispensation will transform the South African beef industry and will create more participation opportunities for small-scale black farmers," he added.