Cape Town – As the country awaits the announcement of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s new cabinet, ANC’s chief whip Mdumiseni Ntuli has indicated that the executive will be revealed soon, although he did not specify when.
Speaking to SAFM, Ntuli said that the decision could come anytime, adding that Ramaphosa is aware of the urgency to address the nation’s challenges.
“I don’t know when the cabinet will be announced. It could be tonight, tomorrow or on Saturday,” Ntuli said.
He discussed the role of political parties in the government of national unity (GNU), emphasising that while the president consults with parties, the final decision on cabinet appointments rests with him.
Ntuli noted that all parties should be familiar with the GNU’s statement of intent and that the ANC is committed to creating a capable and peaceful government that reflects the aspirations of South African society.
“We want the country to be capable and peaceful. We will agree on policies that will address unemployment and inequality,” he said.
“We want the government coming in to reflect the aspirations of South African society.”
Meanwhile, according to EWN, the Democratic Alliance (DA) said that party leader John Steenhuisen is currently negotiating with Ramaphosa for key positions in the new Cabinet.
The DA is aiming for several significant portfolios, with Steenhuisen reportedly seeking the position of leader of government business.
DA parliamentary chief whip, Siviwe Gwarube, emphasised the party’s expectation of proportional representation in the Cabinet, given its status as the second largest party in the government of national unity (GNU), the report said.
“What we do know for a fact right now is that as per the statement of intent that the parties signed there will be a proportional representation, broadly, of political parties so as the second largest political party part of the GNU, we would expect a sizeable number of portfolios in that Cabinet,” Gwarube said.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
