SA’s GNU must harness moderation and goodwill for growth: Terence Corrigan

A Call for Healing and Cooperative Politics

The formation of the GNU marks a significant attempt to embrace a collaborative and healing approach to governance, especially important in a nation as diverse as South Africa. Solly Moeng’s call for politics that prioritizes healing over vengeance highlights the urgent need to restore trust in public institutions and to foster unity across racial and social divides that have long challenged the country.

This approach requires a steadfast commitment to constitutionalism and the rejuvenation of institutions weakened by years of political strife and mismanagement. The GNU’s cooperative framework, though imperfect and at times grudging, stands as a counterbalance to the rise of political forces that have openly challenged the constitutional order. By prioritizing cooperation over confrontation, the GNU can create a political environment conducive to addressing the nation’s challenges effectively and rebuilding public confidence.

Understanding South Africans’ Priorities: Employment and Corruption

Extensive polling data collected over the years consistently reveals that South Africans overwhelmingly prioritize economic issues, with employment at the forefront. In recent surveys, nearly half of respondents identified job creation as the top government concern, underscoring the deep desire for economic opportunity and stability.

Corruption ranks as the second most pressing issue, reflecting widespread public frustration with governance failures and the abuse of power. This focus on corruption highlights the demand for transparent, accountable leadership capable of delivering tangible results.

Beyond these, other quality-of-life concerns such as security, electricity supply, and social welfare also feature prominently in public priorities. Conversely, ideological and status-related issues—such as land reform, racial empowerment, and empowerment policies—receive comparatively little attention, indicating a pragmatic population more concerned with day-to-day living conditions than divisive identity politics.

Societal Consensus and Cross-Racial Amity

Polling consistently demonstrates a broad societal consensus that transcends racial divisions. A significant majority of South Africans report having had no personal experience of racism in recent years and express a strong belief in the necessity of cross-racial cooperation for national progress.

This consensus extends to support for merit-based appointments and targeted measures designed to uplift historically marginalized groups, reflecting a nuanced public attitude that values fairness and inclusivity without succumbing to divisive identity politics.

Such findings challenge the commonly held narrative of a deeply polarized society and suggest that the GNU can build on this foundation of goodwill to foster unity and social cohesion. This widespread acceptance of moderate, pragmatic governance provides a valuable platform for the GNU’s reform agenda.

The Risks of Restlessness and the Need for Effective Governance

Despite the prevailing moderation and goodwill, there is an undercurrent of impatience and urgency among South Africans for meaningful change. Surveys reveal that a substantial portion of the population might prioritize law and order and service delivery—even at the expense of democratic processes—if it promised swift improvements in housing, employment, and security.

This restlessness underscores the critical importance of the GNU delivering on its promises. Failure to improve governance and stimulate economic growth risks eroding democratic norms and fueling social unrest, which could destabilize the country further.

Therefore, the GNU must focus on practical governance reforms and economic strategies that address the root causes of dissatisfaction without compromising democratic principles. This balance is essential to maintain public trust and to prevent the allure of authoritarian shortcuts that some segments of the population might find tempting.

Leveraging the GNU Moment for Reform and Growth

The current political configuration presents a rare and valuable opportunity to reset South Africa’s trajectory by forming a reform-oriented majority committed to pragmatic solutions. The GNU, by its nature, embodies the cooperative politics necessary to overcome entrenched divisions and to focus on the country’s most urgent needs.

Success depends on the GNU’s ability to align its policies with the electorate’s material aspirations—chiefly job creation and anti-corruption measures—and to avoid divisive tactics that exploit racial or ideological fault lines. By doing so, the GNU can foster an environment conducive to economic recovery and social stability.

Moreover, recognizing and respecting the broad societal consensus on the kind of society South Africans want is a valuable asset. This consensus, if protected from short-term opportunism and malicious political agendas, can underpin sustainable progress and help rebuild the nation’s frayed institutions.

Ultimately, the GNU’s effectiveness will hinge on its capacity to translate this moment of political unity into concrete actions that improve the quality of life for all South Africans, thereby restoring faith in democratic governance and setting the stage for long-term prosperity.

What this means

South Africa’s Government of National Unity stands at a critical juncture. By embracing moderation, fostering goodwill, and focusing on the priorities that resonate with the public—chiefly employment and anti-corruption efforts—the GNU can chart a course toward national healing and sustainable growth. The broad societal consensus on pragmatic governance and cross-racial cooperation provides a strong foundation. However, the government must act decisively to meet public expectations and restore confidence in democratic institutions. If successful, this moment can mark the beginning of a new chapter in South Africa’s political and economic development, grounded in unity, stability, and shared progress.