Cape Town – DA Federal Council Chair Helen Zille has defended the party’s handling of cabinet negotiations amid criticism over heavy demands for positions.
Following the general elections, where the ANC secured just over 40% of the vote, the ANC, DA, and other parties formed a Government of National Unity (GNU).
Negotiations stalled, with reports of the DA initially being given the Trade and Industry portfolio, which was later revoked and replaced with tourism.
Nelson Mandela’s secretary Zelda la Grange criticised the power struggles, urging a resolution to address crime and poverty.
“Every day that goes by without a Cabinet we sink deeper and deeper into our problems. While the bickering for power and position continues crime and poverty just increase. Settle now and get to work for goodness sake!” she wrote in a post on social media.
Every day that goes by without a Cabinet we sink deeper and deeper into our problems. While the bickering for power and position continues crime and poverty just increase. Settle now and get to work for goodness sake!!!! #GNU #SouthAfrica
— Zelda la Grange ©™✌ (@ZeldalaGrangeSA) June 28, 2024
Zille however, countered, emphasising the importance of negotiating impactful portfolios.
“It’s bizarre to describe serious negotiations about portfolios that can make a real impact on rescuing our country, as ‘bickering’.
“There is no point in going into government if you cannot make a difference where it matters,” she said.
It’s bizarre to describe serious negotiations about portfolios that can make a real impact on rescuing our country, as “bickering”. There is no point in going into government if you cannot make a difference where it matters.
— Helen Zille (@helenzille) June 29, 2024
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
