In the wake of President Cyril Ramaphosa's recent inauguration, South Africans are eagerly anticipating the announcement of the Cabinet. However, tensions have arisen as media reports suggest that the Democratic Alliance (DA) is demanding the post of Deputy President for its leader, John Steenhuisen. The ANC, which experienced its worst election result since the end of apartheid, secured a government of national unity (GNU) by incorporating long-time rival, the DA, as well as smaller parties like the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) and the Patriotic Alliance (PA).
While the ANC claims that the GNU represents broad representativity and a strong mandate with over 70% of the vote, various political parties within the coalition are now publicly demanding specific Cabinet ministries. Recent weekend media reports indicate that the DA is pushing for Steenhuisen to assume the second-in-command position, currently held by ANC's Deputy President Paul Mashatile. Additionally, the DA is reportedly seeking at least 10 Cabinet posts, particularly in economic portfolios.
Matthew Parks, the parliamentary coordinator for the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), expressed skepticism regarding the ANC's willingness to meet these demands. Parks stated in an interview with Newzroom Afrika that the DA's request for the deputy presidency is unlikely to be granted, as it would require amending the Constitution to accommodate two deputy presidents. He suggested that the initial demands from all parties involved in the negotiations often start at extremes but eventually converge toward a middle ground that is acceptable to all.
Parks emphasized COSATU's reservations about economic portfolios being assigned to the DA. He cited the DA's history of opposing black economic empowerment (BEE) policies and its lack of support for local industries and procurement. COSATU believes that accommodating the DA in key economic ministries, such as trade and industry, could undermine critical aspects of BEE and hinder support for local industries.
The policy differences between the parties in the GNU have complicated the negotiation process. COSATU firmly opposes the idea of the DA holding the Ministry of Employment and Labour due to the party's stance on labor laws. Parks acknowledged the complexity of the situation, noting that with around 30 potential portfolios in the Cabinet, political parties will need to find ways to accommodate each other.
On Saturday night, the ANC confirmed that nine parties, including the DA, PA, IFP, GOOD, PAC, FF+, UDM, Rise Mzansi, and Al-Jama-ah, have signed an agreement to form part of the GNU. Collectively, these parties hold approximately 70% of the votes from the 2024 general elections. The announcement of the Cabinet, initially scheduled for Sunday, has been delayed due to the DA's demands.
Negotiations between the ANC and DA have hit a roadblock as the ANC offered the DA only three Cabinet posts, while the DA believed it deserved at least 10 out of the 30 positions. The DA argues that as the second-largest party in the GNU, it should receive the position of deputy president, following the logic that the ANC claims the positions of president and speaker as the largest minority party. However, the ANC has deemed the DA's demands unacceptable, citing the challenge of dividing the Cabinet among more parties with the inclusion of the UDM, Patriotic Alliance, PAC, Rise Mzansi, and FF+.
Despite the deadlock, the DA has chosen to keep lines of communication open, and negotiations are expected to continue.
