By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The African National Congress (ANC) has committed to work with Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (Contralesa) in all provinces on inputs regarding the role of traditional leaders in the Government of National Unity (GNU).
Last week the ANC said members of the GNU would soon host a national dialogue with the aim of getting consensus amongst South Africans as to some of the priority areas for the seventh administration.
The national dialogue process will seek to develop a national social compact that enables the country to meet the aspirations of the National Development Plan.
Formed after the 29 May elections, the GNU aims to provide a collaborative platform to address South Africa’s pressing issues, such as poverty, inequality and corruption.
Fullview understands talks are continuing, and a deal may soon be reached between parties, which would allow President Cyril Ramaphosa to announce his executive by Wednesday.
The Statement of Intent (SOI) signed by 10 political parties, commits the GNU parties to a National Dialogue process with all sectors of society with the aim of developing a national social compact that enables the country to meet the aspirations of the National Development Plan.
ANC national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said the ANC noted that Contralesa had already put together a Working Group on the role of traditional leaders in the GNU.
At the meeting between ANC and Contralesa leaders at Luthuli House, held on Monday, the party reaffirmed that Contralesa was an important stakeholder that had been an integral part of the work of the ANC and society.
“The African National Congress appreciates the continued relationship with the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa which brings together traditional authorities who identify broadly with the liberation movement, “said Bhengu-Motsiri.
She noted that in the spirit of organisational renewal, the ANC recommitted to working with traditional leaders in the interest of the movement and country at large.
Contralesa further committed themselves to encourage all political parties to embrace the “good faith intentions of the ANC” on the formation of the GNU in the national interest, added Bhengu-Motsiri.
Elsewhere ActionSA has called on Ramaphosa to trim the size of his cabinet when he announces the names of his new ministers.
ActionSA parliamentary caucus leader Athol Trollip has criticised parties that campaigned for a reduction in the size of the cabinet, but have now changed their tune.
This comes after a leaked letter from DA Federal Chairperson Helen Zille to the ANC indicated that the party wants to have deputy ministers in all the portfolios given to them.
However, DA sources close to the negotiations described the letter by Zille to ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula as a negotiating tool.
The DA is one of the parties that have been campaigning for a reduced cabinet.
“As previously expressed, the fact that Ramaphosa’s commitment to reduce the size of the cabinet, has seen a dramatic U-turn, with the buy-in from parties who ostensibly campaigned against cabinet wastage,” said Trollip.
“This is a sign that we are in uncharted territory where principles and commitments are publicly sacrificed on the altar of expediency and access to power and patronage.”