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Picture courtesy: (Phando Jikelo / Parliament of SA) Power struggles for cabinet positions threatens the stability of GNU as ANC and DA Clash.
(The Post News)- The formation of South Africa’s Government of National Unity (GNU) has been a subject of intense negotiation and public interest, particularly concerning the allocation of Cabinet positions between the African National Congress (ANC) and the Democratic Alliance (DA).
The anticipation for President Cyril Ramaphosa’s cabinet announcement has been marred by what appeared to be an impasse, casting a shadow over the GNU’s stability before it has even begun.
The ANC, under Ramaphosa’s leadership, has reportedly reached a deal with the DA, paving the way for the announcement of a new, inclusive cabinet.
In a letter dated June 22, 2024, ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula proposed that the DA be granted six Cabinet minister positions and seven deputy minister positions.
However, tensions escalated when President Ramaphosa revised the initial offer, removing a crucial portfolio from the DA’s grasp and substituting it with a ministry considered less influential.
The portfolios included Home Affairs; Basic Education; Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC); Public Works and Infrastructure; Communications and Digital Technologies; and Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment.
The DA, led by John Steenhuisen, initially set its sights on 12 cabinet positions, including the deputy president post, as revealed in a leaked letter addressed to ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula by DA federal executive chairperson Helen Zille.
John Steenhuisen expressed frustration over the sudden change.
“We entered this coalition with clear expectations,” Steenhuisen stated.
“The ANC must adhere to the letter of the coalition pact, distributing cabinet posts proportionally based on parliamentary seats.”
President Ramaphosa has openly criticised the DA’s negotiation tactics, particularly taking issue with a letter from DA federal chair Helen Zille.
Describing the correspondence as “offensive” and “condescending,” Ramaphosa highlighted the problematic nature of negotiating through letters, which can lead to public posturing and media leaks, detracting from the substance of the negotiations.
The ANC’s response to these demands was one of reservation.
ANC deputy secretary-general Nomvula Mokonyane expressed that no self-respecting organisation could agree to such terms, emphasising the need to serve at the president’s behest by the Constitution.
She highlighted the necessity to accommodate other parties as well, in line with the Statement of Intent’s rule 23.
President Ramaphosa’s decision has not only altered the terms of engagement but also raised concerns about the stability of the GNU.
The South African currency felt the impact, with its value coming under pressure amid the uncertainty caused by the ANC-DA cabinet composition discussions.
The DA’s response to this change is yet to unfold fully, but the tension is palpable. The party, known for its firm stance on governance issues, is now at a crossroads.
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