South Africa stands at a crossroads. While forming a government of national unity or coalition government may seem like a solution, the potential for inefficiency and internal conflict cannot be ignored. The focus must remain on service delivery, national unity and addressing the needs of the populace.

South Africa is at a critical juncture, with the shadows of consensus democracy hovering over the "rainbow" nation. The inability of any political party to secure enough votes to form the seventh administration has plunged the nation into a precarious state of political uncertainty.

This stalemate has sparked discussions about consensus democracy through a government of national unity (GNU) or a coalition government, each with implications and potential consequences for the country's future.

A GNU, first experienced in South Africa in 1994, is typically formed in times of national crisis, where multiple political parties come together to form a single administration. This arrangement is designed theoretically to ensure stability and continuity during periods of severe political deadlock or national emergencies. Such governments are often seen as temporary solutions aimed at fostering cooperation and unity to navigate through crises by consensus.

Details on what form of GNU the ANC is contemplating are still not public. What is clear though is that other parties look forward to a consensus government that operates on principles of broad agreement and cooperation among the participating political parties.

The key objective is to foster a more inclusive decision-making process, ensuring that policies and actions are agreed...