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The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) and the EFF rejected the idea of a Government of National Unity (GNU) suggested by the ANC on Thursday.
With less than 10 days to go for parties to form a coalition government, it seems that three options have been put on the table.
The ANC preferred GNU, a Grand Coalition or a Minority Government.
IFP National Spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwana says it is abundantly clear that difficult choices and political considerations of material consequences of the country are upon us.
He says in light of Thursday's announcement by the ANC the IFP Coalitions Task Team resolved to give them more space and time to apply its mind and consult further.
Hlengwana said the IFP will broaden the scope of its engagement with other parties.
He says the IFP is not opposed to a GNU and remains committed to giving this matter of national importance the priority attention it deserves by putting South Africa first.
" the devil is in the details, which will become clearer in the coming days thus enabling the IFP to make a well-considered decision" he said.
Meanwhile, EFF leader Julius Malema took to "X" on Thursday calling the ANC arrogant as they continue even after the South African voters issued warning signs.
"You can't dictate the way forward like you have won elections. We are not desperate for anything, ours is a generational mission.
"We can't share power with the enemy," he said.
The arrogance continues even after the South African voters issued warning signs. You can't dictate the way forward as if you have won elections. We are not desperate for anything, ours is a generational mission.
— Julius Sello Malema (@Julius_S_Malema) June 6, 2024
President Cyril Ramaphosa noted that the ANC had still emerged as the largest political party in the country, saying that the 40% the party received shows that the ANC remains a pivotal partner in the way forward for the country.
He said there can be no solution without the ANC.
"The purpose of the government of national unity must be, first and foremost, to tackle the pressing issues that South Africans want to be addressed.
"These issues include job creation and the growth of our economy that will be inclusive, the high cost of living, service delivery, crime and corruption," Ramaphosa said.
The ANC said it would speak to all parties that have a stated intention to advance the interest of the people of South Africa, saying those wanting to sow division must be isolated.
The party said it has already had engagements with the EFF, IFP, DA, NFP and the PA.
"A government of national unity is the most viable, most effective, and powerful way of meeting the expectations of all South Africans at this moment," Ramaphosa said.
The ANC appointed a negotiating team to seek agreement with parties to form a national unity government.
