President Cyril Ramaphosa, Deputy President Paul Mashatile and the leaders of nine other Government of National Unity (GNU) parties emerged from a two-day meeting earlier this afternoon saying that the GNU was in good shape.

In a collective statement the leaders were unanimous that the GNU: “is united and strong” and will meet regularly to give strategic direction. While they acknowledged tensions around the 2025 budget process, they said lessons had been learned and pledged to improve consultation on fiscal priorities.

The group said that they remained focused on reforms and stressed that said the government had achieved a primary budget surplus, sustained social spending and reforms that had seen South Africa removed from a global money laundering watch-list.

The leaders also agreed to give urgent attention to food security, youth employment, the fight against organised crime, stronger border control and improved oversight of municipalities and state-owned enterprises. They reaffirmed commitment to a national dialogue process aimed at bringing citizens into discussions about reform and governance.

The meeting ended on a unifying note, congratulating the Proteas Women’s team for reaching the World Cup final, describing it as: “an inspiration to sports women across all codes.”

The GNU said it remains focused on its core purpose to serve the interests and meet the needs of all South Africans.