National Party unveils its policy plan focusing on anti-poverty strategies

Following the National Party (NP)'s first federal congress since its withdrawal from the Government of National Unity (GNU), its policy plan was unveiled concentrating on anti-poverty strategies. During the federal congress the possibility of the NP changing its name was again discussed. Subsequently, the party changed its name to New National Party (NNP). The NP withdrew from the Government of National Unity on 30 June 1996 following an announcement by South African Deputy President F.W. de Klerk on 10 May 1996. The move to withdraw from the GNU was prompted by the ANC’s rejection of a proposal to have the NGU  extended beyond 1999. This meant the NP was declaring itself an official opposition party to the ANC and forfeiting the Deputy President position, which de Klerk held.  However, its members would retain their seats in parliament.