Fikile Mbalula, the Secretary-General of the African National Congress (ANC), has announced that the talks concerning the Government of National Unity (GNU) are nearing their final stages.
This statement has come as a relief to many South Africans who have been eagerly awaiting the conclusion of these discussions.
On Friday morning, Mbalula took to X to provide an update, stating, “Good morning, South Africa. Almost done with GNU discussions, in the best interest of all South Africans. It will be done as promised.”
[ ANC And DA Move To Form Coalition Fails Amid Leaked Letters ]
The country is on edge, waiting to see who President Cyril Ramaphosa will appoint to the cabinet. However, disagreements between the ANC and the Democratic Alliance (DA) have caused several delays in finalizing these appointments.
The ANC had offered the DA six ministerial positions and seven deputy positions. However, the DA has reportedly demanded two additional ministerial posts, increasing their tally to eight.
In a leaked letter, President Ramaphosa accused DA leader John Steenhuisen of shifting the “goalposts” by changing an agreement previously settled upon.
“I believe the DA has jeopardized the foundation of setting up a government of national unity by moving the goalposts in your letter of 24 June 2024 to me,” the letter read. This ongoing disagreement has significantly delayed the finalization of the GNU.
Both parties are expected to meet again on Friday for further discussions on ministerial positions. Political analyst Sipho Seepe commented that the DA seeks positions of power and influence, especially those that would place the party in the media spotlight.
Meanwhile, DA spokesperson Solly Malatsi has refrained from commenting on the negotiations until they are concluded.
The resolution of these discussions is eagerly awaited, as it will have significant implications for the future political landscape of South Africa.
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