"The time for talk is over'

It must harness goodwill and drive decisive action for economic revival.

- Busi Mavuso

It was a long time in the making, but Sunday night's announcement of a final agreement for a government of national unity (GNU) and the Cabinet sets us on a new course. We are finally at the starting line of the new administration, but its success will depend on the deals done over the last month.

The agreements set the foundation. The firmer they are, the more stable and effective we can expect this coalition government to be.

The new Cabinet must work together for the common good of all South Africans. While Sunday's announcement will take some time to digest, I hope we will come to see the individuals appointed as men and women of integrity and professionalism. The president highlighted the professionalisation of the public service as an agreed priority of the GNU. That needs to start at the top, among the political leaders who oversee it.