In a high-stakes power play, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has sent shockwaves through the government of national unity (GNU) by demanding the most influential cabinet ministry, the State Security portfolio. This audacious move has left the GNU teetering on the edge of collapse, as the African National Congress (ANC) and the DA engage in a battle of wills over key ministerial positions.
As the nation eagerly awaits President Cyril Ramaphosa's imminent Cabinet announcement, the political landscape has been plunged into uncertainty. Eight of the ten parties within the GNU have decided to step back, allowing the ANC and the DA to engage in what can only be described as a fierce tug-of-war over positions of power.
Among the parties choosing to exercise patience are the United Democratic Movement (UDM), Al Jama-ah, Rise Mzansi, and the Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus). These parties have expressed their willingness to await the resolution of the public skirmishes between the ANC and the DA before committing to the formation of the new Cabinet.
The DA's demand for at least 11 Cabinet minister positions, deputy roles, and the power to appoint directors-general has been met with astonishment and raised eyebrows across the political spectrum. This bold move has sparked intense debates and speculation about the potential ramifications for the GNU.
While the ANC has been engaged in negotiations with the DA, it has also intensified its discussions with the MK Party, led by former President Jacob Zuma, and Julius Malema's Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). Both the MK Party and the EFF have repeatedly stated their reluctance to enter into co-governing agreements that involve the DA or the FF Plus. However, sources indicate that lines of communication between the ANC and these parties remain open.
Insiders with knowledge of the matter have revealed that President Ramaphosa is expected to unveil his highly anticipated Cabinet announcement on Thursday. However, the ANC's intensified negotiations with the MK Party and the EFF have raised eyebrows, as both parties have made it clear that they would not entertain any co-governing agreements with the DA or the FF Plus.
Ganief Ebrahim Hendricks, the leader of Al Jama-ah, disclosed that during a recent meeting with ANC leaders, new rules of engagement were presented to his party. Hendricks sought clarification on rumors of proportional representation within the Cabinet, as well as the involvement of political parties in the appointment of directors-general. In response, ANC leaders dismissed these claims, asserting that they were false and would be a violation of the Constitution.
Hendricks expressed Al Jama-ah's motivation for joining the GNU, stating, "Our goal was to diminish the influence of the DA. We are still working to persuade the MK Party and the EFF to join, but we have succeeded in gaining the support of the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC), UDM, and UIM. We remain members of the progressive caucus."
Bantu Holomisa, the president of the UDM, expressed satisfaction that the ANC had finally initiated discussions with the MK Party and the EFF regarding the GNU. He emphasized the importance of inclusive talks and highlighted the need to address pressing issues such as unemployment and crime. Holomisa stressed the commitment of the UDM to the concept of the GNU, emphasizing the necessity of fulfilling promises made to the electorate.
In a similar vein, Makashule Gana of Rise Mzansi stated that his party would not make demands for positions and portfolios. He believed that President Ramaphosa should have the freedom to appoint the best individuals for the job, in line with the Constitution. Gana warned against creating a parallel Cabinet within the government, as it would undermine the president's authority and lead to internal power struggles.
Corne Mulder, the FF Plus whip in the National Assembly, echoed the sentiment of allowing President Ramaphosa to exercise his prerogative in appointing his executive. Mulder emphasized that this was a new beginning and a significant challenge, urging all parties to act in the best interest of South Africa. He also highlighted the upcoming national dialogue as an opportunity to find common ground on policy frameworks.
Meanwhile, ActionSA, a political offshoot of the DA, held a meeting with the ANC on Tuesday. While initially resistant to joining the GNU, ActionSA acknowledged the sound principles behind the unity government. However, the party expressed concerns about accountability during the seventh administration, particularly when strong opposition parties are part of the government. ActionSA pledged to support the GNU on an "issue-to-issue" basis and committed to being a constructive opposition within the governing coalition.
As the GNU teeters on the edge of collapse, the fate of South Africa's political landscape hangs in the balance. The negotiations between the ANC, the DA, and other parties will determine the composition of the upcoming Cabinet and shape the course of the nation. All eyes are now on President Cyril Ramaphosa as he prepares to make his crucial Cabinet announcement, a decision that could solidify or shatter the delicate balance of power within the GNU.
