GNU: 100 days of ups, downs

It created a sense of consensus on the country’s direction.

As the new government of national unity (GNU) marked 100 days since ministers were sworn in, in July, analysts painted a mixed picture.

Independent political analyst Sandile Swana said the rise of coalitions is good, as it represents the de-monopolisation of power, creating a competitive multiparty democracy.

"It has been clear for many years that the ANC could not continue in power alone, but the question of what would replace it remained. This coalition is a departure from the ANC's stronghold and it is a positive change.

"We are seeing some effort from Cabinet ministers to fulfil their duties. However, the medium-term strategic framework in use is still the old ANC strategy.

"The difference will be whether the work actually gets done, as many ministers in the past failed to perform," Swana said.