Cape Town — The African National Congress (ANC) has said the party is finding it very difficult to agree with the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) demands as negotiations in the new Government of National Unity (GNU) continue.
This is according to ANC deputy secretary-general, Nomvula Mokonyane, who was speaking to Newzroom Afrika. She said the President Cyril Ramaphosa’s cabinet announcement was set back several days due to the DA’s demands.
“No self-respecting organisation can actually settle on what the DA is “putting. It is like they are imposing what they believe is good for them. They must actually appreciate that we all serve at the behest of the president in line with the Constitution. Secondly, that there are parties that also have to be accommodated in line with rule 23 of the Statement of Intent.” Mokonyane said.
She said that the ANC would not be responding to the DA’s demands and said negotiations require a give and take. The DA’s ultimatum shows that their intentions are not to be inclusive.
[WATCH] “No self-respecting organisation can agree with the demands the DA is making” – ANC first deputy secretary general Nomvula Mokonyane in conversation with @XoliMngambi .#Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/zPcOOloFyK
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) June 25, 2024
Mokonyane said South Africans should know that the ANC has many other parties that signed the Statement of Intent.
“All other parties have come and nobody would be left behind because to bring everybody together, you need to be tolerant, accommodative and, of importance, you need to also respect the spirit of the South African Constitution.” she concluded.
Following a meeting on Monday between Ramaphosa and DA leader John Steenhuisen, which has been described as “positive,” it is understood that there could be an announcement of the Cabinet soon, The Citizen reported.
The party has allegedly set its sight on 12 positions, including deputies and director-general portfolios, and the deputy president position.
According to The South African, DA federal chairperson, Helen Zille, said they want the DA to be represented across the board.
This would include key departments such as mineral resources and energy, transport, trade, and industry, as well as public works, higher education and public service and administration, home affairs, justice, international relations and communication, and digital technologies.
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
