[LISTEN] President Cyril Ramaphosa on the DA’s fate in the GNU

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s office has commented on the leaked audio of his engagement with the ANC’s caucus.

In the 7-minute clip the president gives feedback on his engagement with the DA’s John Steenhuisen, he also tells the caucus the DA has put itself in an unenviable situation, similar sentiments are shared by his deputy Paul Mashatile who says refusing to vote for the budget would be booting themselves out of the GNU.

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Mashatile also suggests the DA members serving in cabinet cannot continue to enjoy serving in the executive after refusing to support the budget to implement the various government programmes.

The president’s spokesperson Vincent Magwenya says he doesn’t believe Ramaphosa was aware that he was being recorded.

“He was engaged in a political discussion with his colleagues or comrades as it were and there was nothing that's particularly offensive with what he said,” said Magwenya.

He added that leaking the information doesn’t alter Ramaphosa’s attitude and commitment to keeping the GNU intact with the continued participation of the DA.

“He is well aware of the terrible culture of leaking information from his own party. But we have also seen that horrible practice in cabinet recently,” concluded Magwenya.