Cape Town — African National Congress (ANC) secretary-general, Fikile Mbalula, said discussions for the Government of National Unity (GNU) were nearing its end.
The political parties in the GNU have been squabbling over cabinet positions, which led to tension between the ANC and its unlikely partner, the Democratic Alliance (DA). The country now waits in anticipation for President Cyril Ramaphosa to announce his final cabinet for the seventh administration.
“Good morning, South Africa almost done with GNU discussions, In the best interest of all South Africans. It will be done as promised,” said Mbalula.
Good morning South Africa almost done with GNU discussions, In the best interest of all south africans . It will be done as promised.
— ANC SECRETARY GENERAL | Fikile Mbalula (@MbalulaFikile) June 28, 2024
As reported by The Citizen, the disagreements between the ANC and the DA have stemmed from ministerial positions. The DA had initially asked for 12 ministerial positions, and in response, the ANC had reportedly offered the DA six ministerial positions and seven deputies.
The DA, in turn, had allegedly demanded two more ministerial posts taking up their tally to eight. Ramaphosa wrote a letter to DA leader, John Steenhuisen, accusing the party of shifting the goalposts. DA spokesperson Solly Malatsi said he would not comment on the negotiations until they were concluded.
“We are not giving any comment on the ongoing negotiations at this stage,” he said.
According to News24, Mbalula’s statement has led to the rand strengthening. His comments coincided with the Bank of America strategists closing their bearish trade recommendation for the rand, as they anticipate the coalition government will be formed soon.
The rand strengthened as much as 1.6% and traded more than 1.4% stronger at R18.1983 per dollar by 11:00 in Johannesburg.
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
