In the heart of political negotiations, President Cyril Ramaphosa laid out his last-ditch Cabinet offers to the government of national unity (GNU) partners. This crucial gathering, described as "make or break," held the potential to shape the future of South African politics.
According to an inside source, if the parties reject the ministerial and deputy ministerial posts offered, President Ramaphosa will exercise his constitutional powers and appoint whomever he deems fit to his Cabinet. This power move could have far-reaching implications, reshaping the political landscape of the nation.
Since his recent inauguration, Ramaphosa has been diligently engaged in talks with members of the GNU, working towards a mutually agreeable deal. Now, after days of arduous negotiations, a potential breakthrough is finally within reach.
The composition of the Cabinet is a critical step towards establishing a GNU and could have a profound impact on the jittery markets, which have been on edge due to concerns over deep-rooted ideological differences among GNU members. Last week, the South African rand experienced a surge, breaking below R18/$ for the first time in almost a year during Ramaphosa's inauguration. However, the gains have been partially retraced, with the currency hovering above the R18/$ mark this week.
While details of the final list remain undisclosed, Celeb Gossip News has learned that the Democratic Alliance (DA), which initially demanded 11 Cabinet positions, including deputy roles and the power to appoint directors-general, has secured six posts. This compromise reflects the delicate balance of power within the GNU and sets the stage for potential collaboration between the ANC and the DA.
"We do not have a final list, but the approach to their demands is 'take it or leave it.' The president invites you to serve in the Cabinet, and if they decline the offers, we move on. That is the approach that we are taking," revealed an anonymous source close to the negotiations. The ANC finds itself in a precarious position, with limited room for maneuvering. The source further warned that failure to reach an agreement could spell disaster for the ANC: "otherwise, they [DA] are going to liquidate the ANC."
With ten parties involved in the ANC's GNU initiative, other participants such as the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) and the Pan Africanist Congress (PA) could potentially secure Cabinet positions. The final allocation of portfolios remains uncertain, but all eyes are on the unfolding negotiations.
The DA's strategic maneuvering has been intriguing, as they are said to have expressed reluctance regarding the responsibility of managing government departments populated by labor unions, fearing the risk of public service strikes. This hesitation led the DA to abandon the police and health departments, as confirmed by an inside source. The decision to relinquish these portfolios underscores the delicate balancing act required to maintain harmony within the GNU.
As part of the deal finalised on Tuesday, it is understood the DA was offered the strategically important trade & industry ministry, which is key to the ANC’s transformation agenda.
The concession on this ministry was intended to secure Paul Mashatile’s position as deputy president and to ensure the return of Enoch Godongwana as finance minister, according to party insiders.
It is understood that Ramaphosa also offered ministries such as public works and transport to the DA.
“We [are] taking the deal,” said a DA source after a meeting of the party’s caucus on Tuesday night.
According to our sources, Ramaphosa has now presented his final offers, emphasizing the importance of constitutional powers in the decision-making process. "The president did well and, as an organization, we consulted and consulted. But also you cannot have unending consultations, and where there are disagreements, you then go to the Constitution. When he makes his announcement, he will rely on the constitutional powers," explained an insider familiar with the matter.
The anticipation surrounding the Cabinet announcement continues to mount, as Ramaphosa prepares to reach out to his preferred candidates and extend offers to serve in the national executive. Once the appointments are finalized, a national address will be issued to unveil the new Cabinet.
Meanwhile, the ANC has made an unexpected move by canceling a meeting with its branches scheduled for the end of June. The meeting aimed to discuss the decision to form the GNU, but ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula sent a letter informing members that the gathering would be "rescheduled" at a later date. The decision to delay the meeting raises questions about the ANC's internal dynamics and the complexities surrounding the establishment of the GNU.
As we eagerly await Ramaphosa's official Cabinet announcement, tensions run high, and the political landscape remains in flux. The upcoming composition of the Cabinet will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of South Africa's governance and leave an indelible mark on its future. Stay tuned to Celeb Gossip News for the latest developments on this captivating political saga.
