Cape Town — The Democratic Alliance’s (DA) Chief Whip, Siviwe Gwarube, has said that the negotiations for the Government of National Unity (GNU) have been gruelling.
Gwarube took to X to describe the intensive negotiations and said she understood the feelings of anxiety. She believed that the parties should have had longer time to settle negotiations and find a middle ground.
“It’s been a grueling 24 days of intensive negotiations. I can fully understand the anxiety many people are feeling. I do want to remind us that many coalition governments around the world are negotiated over months.”
“That is why it was so important to me that I introduce legislation in Parliament (2021) that will extend the time needed for a government to be formed – from 14 days to 30 days across local, provincial and national government.” she said.
“It may seem like a small amendment but has profound implications. We are firmly in coalition country now. The voters have been clear by not giving a single party a majority.” she added.
“We must adapt. Be agile. Be reasonable and levelheaded. Be mature. And frankly be worthy of the trust millions put in us by electing us to office. Now the rubber hits the road. In the end I’m hopeful that South Africa will win. Our democracy will be richer for it.” she concluded.
It’s been a grueling 24 days of intensive negotiations.
I can fully understand the anxiety many people are feeling. I do want to remind us that many coalition governments around the world are negotiated over months. That is why it was so important to me that I introduce…
— Siviwe Gwarube (@Siviwe_G) June 24, 2024
According to TimesLIVE, the DA have asked President Cyril Ramaphosa for 12 posts in his cabinet. Their demands have been noted across social media and many have said the party is being “unreasonable”.
The GNU now has 10 parties in it — the ANC, DA, IFP, PA, GOOD, PAC, Freedom Front Plus, UDM, Rise Mzansi and Al Jama-ah — and some have made their demands public.
PA leader Gayton McKenzie said he was in the GNU for positions and had his eye on the police ministry and home affairs.
“Do you think I am there seeking autographs? I’m there for power. Policy comes second. Who will occupy which position is the reason we don’t have a cabinet yet. This is not criticism of other parties because the PA is also there fighting for position. We are not going to lie about it.” he said.
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Picture: X/@Our_DA
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
