By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The African National Congress (ANC) has lambasted the political parties within the Government of National Unity (GNU) for leaking their demands to the media.
This follows a letter written by Democratic Alliance (DA) federal chair Helen Zille to ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula, informing him that her party wanted around 11 ministerial positions in the GNU.
This also included the DA approving the appointments of directors-general for all departments under its control.
The ANC which lost its majority for the first time in last month’s elections, upped its offer to DA for six ministerial posts as of late Sunday from an initial three, according to our source.
In a statement on Monday, the ANC accused the parties, including the DA, of acting in bad faith as they scramble for positions.
“Negotiating through leaking demands to the media is an act of bad faith and this practice will not help the cause of any party. It is only the President who has the final say on the appointment of his Cabinet. The GNU cannot be held to ransom by any single party,” the ANC said.
The party said the appointment of cabinet ministers remains the president’s prerogative.
While the delays continued to plague the announcement of the cabinet, the party maintained that the people needed a government to be established sooner, rather than later.
The ANC confirmed that Phase two of the establishment of the GNU was underway with the anticipated announcement of cabinet positions by the president drawing close.
The ANC said a government will be formed on principles including national interest, national groups, gender, social sectors and related elements of representativity.
The ANC – in power for the past 30-years – resorted to the GNU after losing its more than 50% majority in parliament after managing just 40% of the national vote at the 2024 Elections.
So far, ten parties including the ANC, DA, IFP, PA, FF+, UDM, RISE Mzansi, Al Jamah, PAC, and GOOD have joined to form part of the GNU.