Issued by: Office of the Deputy President
27 September 2000
Deputy President Jacob Zuma met, this afternoon, with all leaders of political parties, in Tuynhuis, Cape Town. The Deputy President called the meeting to establish a forum wherein matters deemed to be of national importance - on which national leaders cannot afford to disagree - could be discussed. The forum would continuously identify these issues.
Outlining his reasons for initiating this forum Deputy President Zuma said, "...in the year that I have been in national government, I have recognised a gap in the interaction between us, as government, and the leaders of political parties. I have identified the leader of government business as best placed to close this gap. You have been elected by a certain percentage of the citizens of this country and therefore represent their feelings. It is important for us to establish a forum where you can voice those feelings".
The meeting s would therefore provide an opportunity for all political party leaders to interact with government at a party leadership level and make a meaningful contribution towards matters seen as being above party politics.
All the leaders and representatives welcomed the initiative and expressed their support for it. It was also felt that this initiative would be of great benefit to the country and would promote co-ownership of matters of national importance. The parties all promised their full co-operation.
Today's meeting was seen as a starting point and would not replace meetings with individual leaders as and when the need arose. It is envisaged that the meetings will take place on a quarterly basis but that the forum would also meet if and when issues arise that necessitate consultation.
All political parties were represented - either by the leaders themselves or by their representatives.
CONTACT PERSON: MATHULA MAGUBANE - 082-371-1315