By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) Federal Executive has resolved to continue with negotiations with the African National Congress (ANC) over the composition of the government of national unity (GNU).
A special Federal Executive (FedEx) meeting was convened by the DA on Thursday evening.
The ANC has given the DA until Sunday with a final offer on the table, which should pave the way for the formation of an executive.
Initially poised to abandon the negotiations, the DA decided to proceed with discussions after the FedEx meeting.
Both the DA and the ANC have refrained from commenting on the current state of affairs.
However, leaked communications between President Cyril Ramaphosa and DA leader John Steenhuisen have shed light on the contentious issues at the heart of the deadlock.
Negotiations between the two parties took a turn for the worse after Ramaphosa altered the terms of an earlier offer to the DA on Wednesday night.
Fullview understands that this has angered the DA’s leadership which has now threatened to walk away from the GNU unless Ramaphosa sticks to his original offer.
According to Steenhuisen, the DA has been offered six cabinet portfolios: Home Affairs; Basic Education; Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC); Public Works and Infrastructure; Communications and Digital Technologies; and Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.
Additionally, the party has been offered deputy ministerial positions in Finance (with full cabinet committee rights), Energy and Electricity, Small Business Development, and one other to be determined.
Steenhuisen expressed cautious satisfaction with the offer, stating, “In terms of the quality of the portfolios listed above – both in Cabinet and in terms of Deputy Ministries – the DA is satisfied and regards these as a serious offer.”
However, he noted concerns within the party regarding the allocation.
Fullview understands both parties have reached a stalemate over the Department of Trade and Industry portfolio.
The DA also wants critical economic ministries, including governance, social protection, communications and internal relations.
Ramaphosa has accused Steenhuisen of “moving the goalposts” in negotiations with the ANC and wanting to set up an illegal “parallel government, which would operate outside the parameters of the Constitution.
He believes the party has jeopardized the foundation of setting up the GNU negotiations.
He expressed dissatisfaction with a letter from DA Federal Council chairperson Helen Zille, which he described as offensive and condescending.
Zille had demanded 11 portfolios for the DA, a review of current contracts under DA-led departments and involvement in the appointment of directors-general.