Issued by African National Congeress
19 January 2004
The African National Congress wishes to place on record its commitment to the relationship of cooperation between itself and the New National Party.
In the wake of media reports that the ANC has "turned" on its coalition partner in the Western Cape provincial government, the ANC reaffirms its position that it is committed to working with the NNP - and any other willing party - to build a platform of national unity, reconciliation and development.
The ANC-NNP relationship of cooperation remains intact, and will continue after the 2004 election.
This relationship recognises the right of each party to promote its own policies and programme, and to vigorously campaign for support among all South Africans.
This relationship does not preclude either the ANC or NNP from running their own election campaigns to seek the maximum support possible in any part of the country.
The ANC-NNP relationship of cooperation is not confined to the coalition arrangement in the Western Cape government. Nor is it confined to only cooperation in governance.
The form this takes in any particular instance is therefore determined by the two parties on the basis of what they think best serves the objectives of this relationship.
More information: Smuts Ngonyama 082 569 2061