Cape Town — With just one day to go until the first sitting of the national and provincial legislatures, and speculation is rife as to how South Africa will look as it enters a Government of National Unity (GNU).
With the future of the country set to be determined on Friday, more analysts are leaning towards a coalition between the African National Congress (ANC), the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), who joined the GNU on Wednesday.
As reported by The Citizen, There is fresh speculation over who would get jobs and where once the ink dries on the new government. One analysts believes DA leader, John Steenhuisen, could take up a role as deputy president, which could further condemn Cyril Ramaphosa’s position as president.
“Chances are that Steenhuisen would be awarded a high-profile department or post in government, but as deputy president it may be a step too far at this point in the country’s history,” Dr Oscar van Heerden of the University of Johannesburg (UJ) said.
As coalition talks continue, political analyst Dr Ongama Mtimka says the black parties’ grouping represents people that exploit “blackness” for agendas that have nothing to do with blackness. He says the idea of embracing a DA that has at least shown a commitment to get the state… pic.twitter.com/xrVIhyjQfO
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) June 13, 2024
Charles Cilliers of the Patriotic Alliance (PA) said the party would not be drawn into how it would feel about being led by an ANC-DA coalition. He said the DA must agree on a deal that works for them, and the PA will do the same.
A DA representative, who will return to office for the seventh administration, said should negotiations be constructive and South Africa enters a GNU, Steenhuisen as deputy president will be a step in the right direction.
An ANC source in Gauteng said there is no clear direction for South Africa but the DA does represent the natural choice. He said having a Da as deputy president would not be a bad idea but the complex situation must be understood.
According to EWN, outgoing Minister of Public Enterprises, Pravin Gordhan, said the ANC did not need to partner with the DA to convince markets that the country was run well. He said markets have recognised the job the ANC has done in the last three decades. He added that the ANC should prioritse the interests of the public and and listed values that he believes the ANC should adhere to.
“The willingness to recognise the fundamentals: A – we have a constitution in this country, B – we are a constitutional democracy, C – we have democratic institutions in this country.”
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
