Prof Jaap de Visser Assists in Finalisation of Terms of Reference for GNU-Clearing House Mechanism
The clearing-house mechanism was set up by Cyril Ramaphosa in 2024 to facilitate the resolution of policy and governance disputes within the ten-party GNU. The mechanism’s Terms of Reference were formally adopted at a meeting chaired by Paul Mashatile on 29 October 2025.
Prof de Visser was engaged by the Secretariat to oversee and refine key aspects of the draft Terms of Reference, particularly the deadlock-breaking mechanisms and consensus threshold clauses. According to official statements, the Secretariat “engaged Professor Jaap de Visser for legal refinement, with key disagreements centred around deadlock-breaking mechanisms and clauses from the GNU Statement of Intent (especially Clauses 18 and 19.3)”.
His involvement helped ensure, amongst other things –
- Clarity that the Clearing House is a recommending body and not a decision-making authority;
- Establishment of a clear referral process for unresolved issues to the Political Leaders’ Forum; and
- A provision to “agree-to-disagree” without withdrawing from the GNU.
“I am honoured to have supported the GNU at this pivotal juncture,” said Prof de Visser. “The adoption of robust Terms of Reference marks a welcome step towards more cohesive multi-party governance. I hope this mechanism will be implemented so that it functions with the confidence of all parties.”