ANC on DA's Cabinet demands: 'GNU cannot be held to ransom by any single party'

JOHANNESBURG - The African National Congress (ANC) said the Government of National Unity (GNU) would not be held at ransom by political parties with unreasonable Cabinet demands.

The party made the remarks shortly after the Democratic Alliance (DA)'s letter was leaked.

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The ANC is seemingly not happy with some of the requests made by DA federal council chairperson, Helen Zille, in which she demands the party is either given the deputy president position or minister in the Presidency.

It's understood power-sharing negotiations hit a deadlock after parties in the GNU intensified their demands.

But the ANC’s spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu, emphasised that despite the party losing its electoral majority, it was the leader of the GNU.

"It is only the president who has the final say on the appointment of his Cabinet. The Government of National Unity cannot be held to ransom by any single party."

The Government of Provincial Unity in Gauteng is facing similar challenges.

On Sunday, Premier Panyaza Lesufi postponed his Cabinet announcement following additional demands.