Cape Town – ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has criticised political parties amid reports that some are demanding Cabinet positions.
Negotiations for ministerial posts within the Government of National Unity (GNU) have faced challenges, with a leaked letter from Democratic Alliance (DA) federal chairperson Helen Zille allegedly revealing the DA’s demand for 11 Cabinet posts, including the deputy president position for DA leader John Steenhuisen.
“The cabinet positions the DA holds should rightly include the post of Deputy President, as is standard practice in similar governments around the world.
NEWS: These are the departments the DA says it would like to have in the government of national unity (GNU) led by the ANC. This letter was sent out to ANC Secretary-General, Fikile Mbalula yesterday. @ScrollaAfrica pic.twitter.com/sjeu8FBMKt
— Sihle Mavuso (@ZANewsFlash) June 24, 2024
“We can only agree to give up that post if it is replaced with both a Minister in the Presidency, who is also designated as the Leader of Government Business and participates fully in the policy development and monitoring responsibilities of the Presidency, and a Deputy Minister of Finance, who participates fully in the development of the budget,” the letter reads.
Mbalula emphasised that President Cyril Ramaphosa holds the authority to appoint the Cabinet, expressing concern over parties negotiating through media leaks.
He stressed that the GNU cannot be held hostage by any single party and that the Cabinet will be formed considering the 2024 election results, governance experience, and competency.
The African National Congress (ANC) notes with concern that some parties have been making outlandish and outrageous demands for specific Cabinet positions in the media.
Negotiating through leaking demands to the media is an act of bad faith and this practice will not help the… pic.twitter.com/WidNOLODYp
— ANC SECRETARY GENERAL | Fikile Mbalula (@MbalulaFikile) June 24, 2024
“The ANC notes with concern that some parties have been making outlandish and outrageous demands for specific Cabinet positions in the media.
“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,” Mbalula said in a statement.
Ongoing talks between GNU party leaders and Ramaphosa were confirmed, with Mbalula noting that the president will announce the Cabinet soon.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Picture: X/@MbalulaFikile
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
