The political drama unfolding in South Africa is reaching fever pitch, with a deal finally struck between the ANC and the DA to establish a government of national unity (GNU). After weeks of backroom negotiations, leaked correspondence, and a few tense standoffs, the two parties have finally reached an agreement, paving the way for a new era of coalition politics.
The deal, confirmed by DA leader John Steenhuisen on Sunday morning, came after a crucial meeting between him and President Cyril Ramaphosa on Friday.
"We have reached a deal, but there are final touches that still need to be done," said Steenhuisen, hinting at the delicate nature of the agreement and the ongoing negotiations.
While rumours are swirling that the DA has secured six cabinet positions, including key portfolios like Communications, Basic Education, Forestry, Home Affairs, Public Works, and Agriculture, Steenhuisen has remained tight-lipped, neither confirming nor denying these whispers.
The ANC's acting spokesperson, Zuko Godlimpi, has promised to respond to News24 on Sunday, and we'll be sure to bring you his comments as soon as they are available.
According to Rapport, the agriculture portfolio will no longer include land reform, a concession that seems to have been agreeable to both the ANC and the DA. This move, however, is likely to be met with mixed reactions, with some seeing it as a victory for the DA and others viewing it as a missed opportunity to address the critical issue of land redistribution.
The DA's federal executive council is set to meet on Sunday to approve the deal and decide on the individuals who will fill the coveted ministerial positions. This meeting will be a crucial step in solidifying the agreement and setting the stage for the formation of the new government.
The successful talks come after a tense impasse that saw the DA almost walking away from the negotiating table. This near-collapse of the GNU talks was triggered by a scathing letter from Ramaphosa to Steenhuisen, accusing the DA of "moving the goalposts" and attempting to establish an illegal "parallel government" outside the bounds of the Constitution.
The leaked letter, dated 25 June, was a direct response to the DA's demand for two additional cabinet positions after the ANC had made a final offer of six. This move, according to sources close to the negotiations, angered Ramaphosa and the ANC negotiators, leading to the withdrawal of the crucial trade and industry portfolio from the initial offer.
"His letter to Steenhuisen, in his capacity as ANC president, began by admonishing the opposition leader for insisting on conducting negotiations through written correspondence," a source close to the negotiations revealed.
The news of the deal comes as a relief to many, particularly the IFP, which has been urging the ANC and DA to expedite the formation of the GNU.
"There was, as far as we could see, no crisis. We understood that there would be necessary teething problems in the formation of the government of national unity," said IFP president Velenkosini Hlabisa, acknowledging the challenges of forming a coalition government.
However, the EFF, a vocal critic of the GNU, has made a last-minute attempt to derail the deal, urging the ANC to form a coalition with them instead.
"The EFF is willing to constitute and participate in an ANC-led government, together with other parties, with the exception of the Democratic Alliance and Freedom Front Plus," wrote EFF secretary-general Marshall Dlamini in a letter to ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula.
Dlamini proposed a new agreement or statement of intent between the ANC and EFF, essentially asking the ANC to abandon its GNU partners and form a coalition with the EFF.
"Such an agreement or statement of intent must necessarily include key principles informed by the strategic objective of the total liberation of the oppressed as encapsulated in the Freedom Charter and progressive internationalism," wrote Dlamini.
"The agreement, or statement of intent, must also necessarily include the principles of redress and equality as captured in Section 9.2 of the Constitution, which states that 'to promote the achievement of equality, legislative and other measures designed to protect or advance persons, or categories of persons, disadvantaged by unfair discrimination may be taken'."
Meanwhile, BOSA leader Mmusi Maimane has also entered the fray, revealing that he met with the ANC to discuss the modalities of a governing coalition at a national level.
"From our side, the implementation of the GNU's statement of intent is vital for any new government to be formed and to govern," said Maimane in a statement. "To this end, our call for a National Convention – comprising all 18 Parliamentary parties – is now urgent. This offers the most democratic and transparent pathway to agreeing on the composition of a new national government that is values-based and delivery-based."
"We have committed to be constructive in all engagements and have agreed that once a plan of action is determined, we can support the government on an issue-by-issue basis," he added.
The political landscape in South Africa is undeniably complex, with a multitude of parties vying for power and influence. The deal between the ANC and the DA marks a significant shift, ushering in a new era of coalition politics. However, the road ahead is likely to be fraught with challenges, as the various parties navigate the complexities of power sharing and compromise.
