The second meeting of the Government of National Unity (GNU) clearing house mechanism took place on Thursday, where participants discussed their terms of reference and various aspects of the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act.
The leaders also received an update on preparations for the G20 Summit and the National Dialogue.
Last week, Deputy President Paul Mashatile chaired the first virtual meeting of the clearing house mechanism, which the Presidency said got off to a good start.
The clearing house mechanism is a platform established by President Cyril Ramaphosa to resolve policy disagreements and disputes within the 10-member GNU.
Yesterday’s meeting included presentations from the Minister in the Presidency Maropene Ramokgopa, who is responsible for Performance Monitoring and Evaluation; the Deputy Minister for Justice Andries Nel, and a representative from the Office of the Chief State Law Advisor.
The Office of the Deputy President serves as the Secretariat of the GNU clearing house mechanism.
“All parties expressed appreciation for the work done by the Secretariat in coordinating the work of the clearing house.
“It was agreed that the Secretariat should consolidate the views and enrich the terms of reference, and that further deliberations must continue with regards to the BELA Act,” a statement issued after the meeting read.
The leaders also discussed the upcoming G20 Summit. South Africa will assume the rotational Presidency of the G20 on 1 December after the summit in Brazil in November.
Ramokgopa gave an overview of the summit’s logistical arrangements as well as the substantive agenda outlook, which includes the theme, priorities and inputs from the working groups.
“The GNU clearing house mechanism will continue with its engagements, as per the mandate of the President and discuss all matters as they emerge from the ongoing work of government, including resolving disputes where they arise,” the statement said.
Last week, the Presidency said this platform will not override Cabinet decisions, as the Executive remains the final decision-making body in government. However, it will ensure that all GNU signatories develop a common understanding of critical policy matters.
In addition to the mechanism, the Presidency said it was resolved to establish a technical committee to serve as a processing channel for matters of divergence within the GNU.
This means that this mechanism will establish the Political Leaders’ Forum of Parties that signed the GNU statement of intent. – SAnews.gov.za
