The political landscape in South Africa is in a state of flux as President Cyril Ramaphosa prepares to unveil his new cabinet. After weeks of negotiations, backroom deals, and public pronouncements, the dust is finally settling, revealing a government of national unity (GNU) that includes the Democratic Alliance (DA) in a significant role.
The Sunday Times reported that the DA, after intense negotiations and some initial resistance, is poised to accept six cabinet positions and several deputy minister roles in the new government. This deal, which is expected to be finalised at a FedEx (federal executive) meeting today, marks a significant shift in the political landscape, with the DA gaining a foothold in the heart of power.
The DA, initially demanding the coveted Ministry of Trade, Industry & Competition, has reportedly relented, accepting the Ministry of Agriculture instead. However, the deal comes with a caveat: land reform will not be part of the DA's portfolio. This concession, while significant, reflects the DA's strategic approach to securing a strong position within the government.
"We are cautiously optimistic that there could be an agreement before the end of the weekend," said Helen Zille, DA federal council chair, to the Sunday Times. "However, as usual in these circumstances, much can go wrong over the next 36 hours. If we do end with a deal, it will not be what the ANC wanted and it will not be what we wanted. But there will be enough to give us a real shot at exercising a powerful influence inside government and of running some crucial portfolios."
The deal comes as the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) attempted a last-minute manoeuvre to sway the ANC away from the GNU, urging them to form a coalition with the EFF instead.
"The EFF has not turned against its commitments despite the ANC not honouring its commitments in full," wrote EFF secretary-general Marshall Dlamini in a letter to ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula, following a meeting between the two parties on Friday.
The EFF's plea, however, seems to have fallen on deaf ears, as all indications point to Ramaphosa announcing his cabinet today.
The DA's inclusion in the cabinet is a testament to the political realities of a hung parliament. The ANC, despite winning the most seats in the recent elections, fell short of a majority, forcing them to seek partners to form a government. The DA, with its significant number of seats, became a crucial bargaining chip in these negotiations.
The DA's cabinet appointments are likely to include John Steenhuisen, who is a shoo-in for a ministerial position. He is expected to be joined by his trusted advisors, including Leon Schreiber, Dean Macpherson, Siviwe Gwarube, Solly Malatsi, and Mathew Cuthbert, all of whom boast impressive academic credentials and political experience, save for John Steenhuisen himself, a mere college dropout.
The deal, however, has not been without its hiccups. The initial offer of the Ministry of Tourism for the DA was met with resistance, leading to a change of heart from Ramaphosa, who ultimately offered the Ministry of Agriculture instead. This change, along with the exclusion of land reform from the portfolio, suggests a delicate balancing act between the ANC and the DA, with both parties making compromises to reach a workable agreement.
The ANC, for its part, has expressed satisfaction with the progress of the negotiations.
"We have been receiving positive responses across the board," said acting ANC spokesperson Zuko Godlimpi.
The deal, however, has not been universally welcomed. The EFF, as mentioned earlier, has vehemently opposed the inclusion of the DA in the GNU, arguing for a coalition with the EFF instead.
"We haven't made any request for positions and we haven't been offered any positions," said Mabine Seabe, spokesperson for Rise Mzansi, another party that is part of the GNU. "Ours is to work in parliament and that's what we've been elected to do."
The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), another potential partner in the GNU, has also been tight-lipped about its position, stating that it will not discuss its share of cabinet or deputy minister positions until an official announcement is made.
"Whatever deal can be on the table – it remains the prerogative of the president to announce the cabinet – it will be grossly irresponsible for any political party to say this is what we are getting, this is not a scramble for positions," said IFP president Velenkosini Hlabisa.
The Good party, led by Patricia de Lille, has also not engaged in discussions about positions, stating that they respect the president's prerogative to decide on all cabinet positions.
"President Ramaphosa comes with the experience of having led negotiations during the days of Codesa as well as the peace negotiations in Ireland," said De Lille. "He's got a lot of experience and I think people are underestimating his experience as a negotiator. And now we've seen the letter he sent to the DA and I must say I've never seen President Ramaphosa angry, he's got a way of telling you off in a nice way."
The announcement of the new cabinet is expected to be made today, marking a new chapter in South African politics. The DA's inclusion in the GNU, while controversial, is a sign of the changing political landscape, with the ANC forced to compromise and share power to ensure the stability of the government.
