Deliberate leaks and DA demands, but still no cabinet
It seems to be a case of 'close, but no cabinet' as South Africa waits to see who President Cyril Ramaphosa will select as his ministers under the Government of National Unity.
Helen Zille casts a special vote in the 2024 elections on 27 May 2024. Picture: Carlo Petersen/Eyewitness News
EWN Associate Editor for Politics Tshidi Madia and Natasha Marrian, News24 Politics Editor, join Clement Manyathela.
Click below to listen.
Tick-tock Mr President.
That's the sentiment from political watchers as the country remains on tenterhooks to see which politicians from the parties that make up the Government of National Unity (GNU) have made the cabinet cut.
Despite there being no Constitutional time frame for when Ramaphosa must name his cabinet, all eyes are on him as we nervously await the unveiling of the names of his chosen few.
This week, there has been much interest in a leaked letter to the African National Congress’s (ANC) Secretary General Fikile Mbalula, penned by DA’s Federal Council Chairperson Helen Zille.
In it, Zille sets out the DA's preferences; to secure at least 11 cabinet posts, including either Deputy President or Minister in the Presidency.
It also wants its ministers to be supported by DA deputies across its preferred portfolios.
The ANC this week responded to the leak, and the letter, with disdain.
“Negotiating through leaking demands to the media is an act of bad faith and this practice will not help the cause of any party. It is only the President who has the final say on the appointment of his Cabinet. The GNU cannot be held to ransom by any single party,” it said.
Marrian says it's worth remembering that neither the ANC nor the DA is a stranger to coalitions and that even the leaks are likely part of negotiating tactics.
"We are seeing that back-and-forth, and those political posturing moves coming to the fore the final days as we head toward that crucial announcement."
- Natasha Marrian, Politics Editor - News24
"There's almost a tit-for-tat... some very interesting tactics going on here."
- Natasha Marrian, Politics Editor - News24
Madia is confident that the negotiations are ending.
"They're close to the end..."
- Tshidi Madia, Associate Editor for Politics - EWN
She senses the parties themselves have moved on from the DA's letter.
"The parties have moved past the letter. That's the sentiment I got from people at the negotiating table."
- Tshidi Madia, Associate Editor for Politics - EWN
"I ask myself; what are the purposes of the leaks and the reaction from the ANC?"
- Tshidi Madia, Associate Editor for Politics - EWN
We are watching 'megaphone negotiations' in real-time, says Madia.
"They're testing public sentiments over DA demands and seats... it tells them whether they can push for such a position."
- Tshidi Madia, Associate Editor for Politics - EWN
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