Cape Town – Patriotic Alliance (PA) leader Gayton McKenzie, has attributed the delay in announcing the country’s new cabinet to ongoing disputes over positions among the parties involved.
Reports indicated that President Cyril Ramaphosa was considering the DA’s request to appoint at least 10 of its MPs to the cabinet and designate party leader John Steenhuisen as deputy president.
McKenzie criticised the focus on power dynamics, saying that the delay is primarily due to disagreements over who will occupy key roles in the cabinet.
“The delay and fight is about positions in he GNU, let no-one lie to you. Politicians and political parties exist for accumulation of power. Stop acting like you exist for ambience. The delay is about who occupies which positions. We should all be honest about this obvious point,” McKenzie said on social media.
The delay & fight is now about positions in GNU, let no one lie to you. Politicians and political parties exist for accumulation of power, stop acting like you exist for ambience, the delay is about who occupies which positions now. We should all be honest abt this obvious point
— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) June 23, 2024
According to Times Live, McKenzie is actively engaged in the power struggles as well.
Since the beginning of the GNU negotiations, McKenzie has expressed interest in leading the police ministry and the home affairs department, the report said.
“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.
“We [PA] are advancing our reasons without arrogance and threats. We do understand the constitution [says] the president has the right to decide who will occupy which positions. You can’t negotiate against the constitution,” the report quoted McKenzie as saying.
Ramaphosa, in his newsletter, expressed concerns over the preoccupation with position allocation within the GNU, urging parties to prioritise national interests and collaboration over internal disputes.
The country’s hopes are pinned on the success of the GNU. Our stated commitment to work together constructively and for South Africa’s benefit has generated a great deal of goodwill that we should not squander. https://t.co/jSbiZVaL4x pic.twitter.com/dqbGHlUjRA
— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) June 24, 2024
“Every effort must be made to ensure that the GNU remains true to its founding spirit of collaboration in good faith to drive a programme that improves the lives of all South Africa’s people.
“South Africans made clear with their votes in last month’s elections that they want their elected representatives to put aside narrow interests and work together to build the country. To do so, the GNU cannot be preoccupied with jockeying for positions, tussles over appointments or squabbles within and between parties.
“The success of the GNU will be measured by the extent to which we are prepared to focus not on who will govern, but on how we will govern, together,” Ramaphosa said.
Despite his call for unity, negotiations continue as more parties, including the UDM, join the GNU, which now comprises a broad coalition of political entities.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
