By Phenyo Selinda
ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa has openly criticised the Democratic Alliance (DA) and its leader, John Steenhuisen, for what he perceives as attempts to derail negotiations for a Government of National Unity (GNU).
The President’s criticism stems from the DA’s recent demands for additional cabinet portfolios, which Ramaphosa views as “shifting goalposts” and undermining the negotiation process.
Ramaphosa’s Concerns
In a detailed and candid letter, Ramaphosa expressed his frustration at the DA’s approach. “The habit of negotiating through correspondence, as adopted by the DA, can be problematic,” Ramaphosa stated, emphasising that such methods can lead to media leakages that distract from the substantive issues at hand. He further criticised a recent letter from the DA’s Federal Chairperson as “offensive, condescending, and inconsistent with the Constitution.”
Demands and Changing Positions
The core of Ramaphosa’s criticism lies in the DA’s shifting positions. Initially, the DA had agreed to hold six ministerial portfolios, including the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Competition (DTIC). However, the DA later demanded two additional cabinet portfolios, bringing their total to eight and requested specific ministries such as Sports, Arts and Culture, Agriculture, Rural Development, and Land Reform, or Public Service and Administration.
Ramaphosa argued that these moves undermine the principles laid out in the Statement of Intent, which calls for genuine inclusiveness and a constitutionally compliant process. “The DA’s latest proposals do not align with the principles adopted and encapsulated in the Statement of Intent,” he wrote.
Implications for Government Stability
The ANC’s plans to possibly exclude the DA from the GNU amidst ongoing negotiations with other parties such as IFP, PA, PAC, and Good were also highlighted. Such a move would challenge the ANC’s ability to secure a majority in the National Assembly, affecting legislative processes, including the passing of the budget. Moreover, Ramaphosa expressed concerns about potential vulnerabilities to motions of no confidence.
The DA’s Response
In response to Ramaphosa’s letter, it was revealed that the Democratic Alliance had made it clear that the government’s formation deal would be off if their demands were not met. John Steenhuisen, in an earlier letter, had communicated the party’s dissatisfaction with the revised cabinet offer, which replaced DTIC with the Ministry of Tourism and reduced the number of deputy ministers from seven to six.
“The DA is sacrificing from our proportional allocation more than the ANC,” Steenhuisen wrote, emphasising the need for a proportional representation reflective of the electoral outcomes. Despite acknowledging the quality of the portfolios offered, Steenhuisen insisted on the need for an additional two cabinet positions and an increase in deputy minister posts to satisfy his party.
Moving Forward
President Ramaphosa emphasised the urgency of concluding the negotiations, stating, “The task of setting up government is quite urgent as we cannot continue with this paralysis.” The President has given an ultimatum to conclude all negotiations and consultations within the week, while remaining open for further discussions.
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