Democratic Alliance (DA) Leader John Steenhausen. (Photo: Chris McGrath/Getty Images)
As the country awaits President Cyril Ramaphosa's imminent cabinet announcement, it has emerged that the Democratic Alliance (DA) is seeking more than double the number of posts the president is offering in the ANC-led Government of National Unity (GNU).
Leaked letters between the two parties show just how far apart they are. President Ramaphosa met with DA leader John Steenhausen on Monday and the ANC offered six ministerial posts, while the Blue Party demanded 12.
In a letter dated June 22, ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula offered Steenhausen six ministerial and seven deputy ministerial posts, but the offer was rejected by DA federal council chairperson Helen Zille in a separate list of the party's demands, which were also quietly released on the sidelines of talks between South Africa's two biggest parties.
In his letter to the DA, Mbalula emphasised the ANC's determination to form a unity government based on “true inclusiveness” and “advancing the national interest”, in line with the principles outlined in a letter of intent signed by the relevant political parties.
He said the offers of ministerial posts were based on a “fair and reasonable methodology to determine the number of ministerial posts to be appointed by each party”, in line with paragraph 16 of the statement of intent.
“It is our view that a party's representativeness should be based on its electoral mandate, which is reflected in the number of seats it holds across parliament,” Mbalula said, adding that “there are still some key positions in the parliamentary leadership” that the DA should consider as part of its collaboration.
“The proposal to include certain NCOPs [National Council of Provinces] Therefore, positions as part of the GNU cooperation, including the NCOP deputy chairperson and other posts, are part of the proposals we would like to put forward for consideration, despite the ANC having a majority in the NCOP,” he said in the letter.
“We welcome that more political parties represented in the National Assembly have signed the Statement of Intent. This development enhances the status of the Government of National Unity. It speaks to the national interest and the principles of inclusiveness that we both uphold.”
He also noted that the ANC welcomed the shared understanding that the President has the power to appoint members of the national executive in accordance with the Constitution, and that the DA's approach to party representation in the GNU is premised on a strict notion of proportionality based on membership in a unity government.
In his letter to Steenhausen, Mbalula said the posts of minister and deputy minister for the ANC, Inkatha Freedom Party and minor parties would be decided following further consultations.
The ANC has also proposed consolidating its position within the National Provincial Assembly as part of GNU cooperation, reflecting the ANC's majority in this body.
In response, Zille outlined the party’s conditions for joining the GNU in a letter dated 23 June 2024, stressing that the DA’s decision to join the GNU was dependent on its ability to bring about substantive change, not simply occupying positions of power.
Gilles said the DA's proposed allocation of ministerial posts was a clear and fair way of implementing Article 16 of the Statement of Intent.
“The allocation of cabinet posts can only begin by taking into account the relative electoral size of the parties in power. A government is by definition made up of parties in power. It is not made up of opposition parties. That is the purpose of parliament,” she said.
Gill said it was “fair and reasonable” for the DA to be represented in all cabinet groups, which include the departments of Mineral Resources and Energy, Transport and Trade and Industry.
Mr Jill said the DA was looking to field its own nominated candidate as deputy minister in ministries that had ministers, except for Finance, where the DA wanted to field its own candidate as deputy minister to Enoch Godongwana.
Mr Gill's letter also called for the removal of current directors in areas where DA ministers are appointed, as they may not work well with new DA officials.
In a statement on Monday, the ANC expressed concern that some political parties were making “exorbitant demands for certain ministerial posts” through the media.
“Negotiating by leaking demands to the media is an act of dishonesty and does not serve the interests of any political party,” he said, reiterating that President Ramaphosa has the final say on cabinet appointments and stressing that the unity government “cannot be held hostage by any political party”.
DA spokesman Solly Malatsi could not be reached for comment.