South African President Cyril Ramaphosa held a meeting with senior officials of the African National Congress (ANC) on Thursday to discuss the formation of a new government.

After losing its long-held majority in the recent election, the ANC is now looking to form a government through a national unity agreement rather than a direct coalition with the main opposition party.

The ANC wants to include various political parties in a broad agreement to ensure the smooth running of the country.

The party’s National Executive Committee, consisting of over 80 top officials, will ultimately decide on the direction to be taken.

However, there is no guarantee that all parties will accept the idea of a government of national unity.

Time is of the essence as the newly elected Parliament must convene by June 16, with the election of a president being one of its first priorities. This agreement will also determine whether Ramaphosa will serve a second term as president.