The Democratic Alliance (DA) has submitted a detailed list of demands to the African National Congress (ANC) as part of negotiations to form a national government of unity (GNU). According to a letter addressed to ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula by DA federal executive chairperson Helen Zille, the party is seeking to occupy 11 Cabinet positions, including the deputy president post, as well as exert control over directors-general and tenders in the respective departments.
The DA’s demands include:
– 11 Cabinet positions
– Deputy ministries in assigned departments
– The deputy president post or a Minister in the Presidency and deputy minister of finance
– Control over selection of directors-general
– Review of all tenders since the president’s election
The ANC has expressed reservations, particularly regarding directors-general and procurement. A high-level meeting is scheduled for Monday to address the impasse, potentially determining the fate of GNU negotiations.
The DA’s stance has raised concerns of bullying, treating the ANC like puppets on strings. Despite ANC resistance, the DA continues to push, sparking questions about its intentions. As negotiations reach a critical stage, South Africans wait to see if the ANC will resist the DA’s bullying or give in to its demands. The fate of GNU hangs in the balance, as the country watches the drama unfold. Will the DA get what it wants, or will the ANC find a way to stand up for itself? Only time will tell.
Photography: Waldo Swiegers/Bloomberg
