GOOD Statement by Brett Herron,
GOOD Secretary-General & Member of Parliament
5 August 2023
The GOOD Party agrees with the document that the outcomes of this dialogue must be presented to our party structures and members. Our delegation has no mandate to agree to the declaration without further consultation.
We raise a concern that the declaration commits us to further dialogue and consultation while the “Broad Actions and Timelines” document proposes that a Framework will be tabled in the National Assembly and NCOP between August and November.
This is inconsistent with the commitment to further dialogue contained in the declaration and inconsistent with working to find sufficient consensus.
With regards to the declaration:
• We reject the generalisation that instability characterises coalition governments. Instability characterises some coalition governments and this has not arisen only since 2016. Coalitions, and in some cases unstable coalitions, have predated 2016 and was evident from at least 2006.
• We agree with the 5 principles that are declared as guiding the dialogue.
• Subject to further dialogue and consultation with our party, we agree to work together to find a suitable framework for coalition governments that is fit for our context before any legislation can be considered.
• We agree that must explore tools to ensure that motions of no confidence do not lead to instability across different spheres of government guided by our own constitutional framework.
• We recognise that this dialogue is only the beginning and further dialogue will continue after consultation and reporting with and to party structures.
• Depart from any declaration that would regulate whether parties be required to form pre-election alliances or post-election pacts. This is the exclusive domain of political parties to decide.
We welcome the recognition of the strong disagreement, from amongst the delegate, on introducing a legislated threshold – whether to form a coalition or to form a coalition.
As the GOOD Party, we reject any attempt to interfere with the constitutional provision of proportional representation.
Media Enquiries:
Brett Herron, GOOD Secretary-General & Member of Parliament
Cell: 082 518 3264
Email: bretth@forgood.org.za
Samantha Jackson, GOOD Acting Media Manager
Cell: 083 550 9875
Email: media@forgood.org.za