Cape Town – The Democratic Alliance (DA) is willing to return to the opposition benches in the Gauteng legislature amid a dispute over positions in Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s Cabinet.
Negotiations between the DA and the ANC on the division of powers collapsed again on Tuesday.
During a media briefing, DA federal council chairperson Helen Zille disclosed that the ANC wanted to retain seven MEC positions, offering three to the DA, EWN reported.
“This approach was not conducive to building an atmosphere of trust. We wanted clarity on these issues.
“The ANC today conceded that they had intended to allocate 3 seats to the DA, and seven to themselves, out of a cabinet of 11 (including the ANC Premier). This division falls far short of the requirements set out in Clause 16 of the Declaration of Intent, given that the DA comprises 45% and the ANC 55% of the government of provincial unity (GPU),” The Citizen quoted Zille as saying.
The DA believes Lesufi’s Cabinet should reflect the recent election results, where the ANC received 34% of the votes and the DA 27%.
Zille said that the DA is comfortable in opposition and not desperate to join the government.
The ANC said it is still open to engaging other parties for Lesufi’s executive.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Picture: X/@Umalumewabantu
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
