Geordin Hill-Lewis, mayor of Cape Town, expressed confidence in the Government of National Unity (GNU) lasting at least two more years. He discussed the impact of the upcoming ANC conference on the GNU's future and emphasized the importance of utilizing the next two years for meaningful change. Hill-Lewis also highlighted positive developments resulting from the GNU, including increased cooperation with national government departments and progress on addressing problem buildings.
City of Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis expressed his belief that the Government of National Unity (GNU) would likely endure for at least the next two years. He delivered these remarks during his address at the Cape Town Press Club on Thursday. Hill-Lewis acknowledged the inherent unpredictability of politics, stating that making predictions in this realm was a risky endeavor.
He highlighted the upcoming ANC elective conference scheduled for the end of 2027, where new leaders, including a successor to President Cyril Ramaphosa, would be elected. Hill-Lewis suggested that the current level of goodwill and commitment within the GNU was sufficient to maintain its stability until that point. Beyond 2027, he declined to offer any definitive predictions, emphasizing the significant influence the outcome of the ANC conference would have on the GNU's future. He noted that while Ramaphosa was not constitutionally barred from seeking another term, a term limit existed within the presidency, making a second run unlikely. Hill-Lewis also pointed to the presence of a vocal faction within the ANC opposing the GNU, expressing uncertainty about the ultimate balance of power between those forces.He underscored the importance of utilizing the next two years effectively to bring about meaningful change in South Africa, warning against allowing this opportunity to slip away. He stressed the need to maximize each day's potential to propel South Africa toward growth and progress, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of the political landscape beyond that timeframe. When questioned about the potential impact of the DA's anti-corruption bill on the GNU's stability, Hill-Lewis reiterated the inherent volatility of political situations, acknowledging that rapid shifts could occur. He indicated that while the bill might contribute to the GNU's unraveling, it was not an absolute certainty. Hill-Lewis suggested that the ANC could potentially agree to establish the anti-corruption commission, deploying its own representatives within its structure.He further revealed that the DA possessed the power to withdraw from the GNU once, triggering its collapse by diminishing the governing coalition's majority, even with the support of smaller parties. He emphasized that the GNU's stability hinged upon the DA's continued participation. Hill-Lewis expressed enthusiasm about the positive outcomes resulting from the formation of the GNU last year, noting the emergence of cooperative initiatives with national government departments. The infusion of fresh perspectives from new GNU personnel has fostered a more collaborative environment. He highlighted his positive interactions with Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, whom he characterized as receptive to discussions regarding expanded policing powers for the city. Hill-Lewis anticipated that 2025 would witness the enactment of an amended SAPS Act, granting City police enhanced investigative authority to specifically address gun, drug, and gang-related crimes. He viewed this development as a pivotal advancement in Cape Town's crime-fighting efforts, particularly in combating gang violence.He also celebrated the imminent opening of a state-of-the-art Home Affairs branch within the civic center, emphasizing the collaborative nature of this project, which directly benefits the public. Hill-Lewis further reported significant progress made in partnership with the Department of Public Works concerning problem buildings across the city. He cited the recent eviction of illegal occupants surrounding the Castle of Good Hope as a testament to the enhanced effectiveness of the Public Works department under the GNU.
GOVERNMENT OF NATIONAL UNITY ANC CYRIL RAMAPHOSA CAPE TOWN GEORDIN HILL-LEWIS CORRUPTION POLICE POWERS HOME AFFAIRS PUBLIC WORKS
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