The African National Congress (ANC) has slammed some political parties in the media for making exorbitant demands for certain ministerial posts, as the party maintains that only President Cyril Ramaphosa has the power to appoint executive officials.
The comments come amid growing calls for calm as many South Africans await the announcement of the cabinet of the country's seventh democratic government.
ANC update on second phase of government of national unity #GNU
The ANC is concerned that some political parties are making outlandish and outrageous demands through the media regarding certain cabinet posts. #Let's do more together pic.twitter.com/gwnGzMMr3X
— African National Congress (@MYANC) June 24, 2024
The president is expected to announce a new administration under the Government of National Unity (GNU). South Africa has been without a cabinet since the president was sworn in last Wednesday.
Professor Mashpye Maselmule has warned President Ramaphosa to take into consideration the concerns of ordinary South Africans.
“Ministers should give policy direction. Directors should translate the policy direction into strategic and actionable plans. So there is a difference between the role a minister plays and the role a director plays. But you have to understand that the president is yet to announce his cabinet. It is clear that he is talking about a government of national unity and it is clear that the scope of consultations to form a cabinet will include political parties that are not usually included.”
Freedom Front Plus (FFPlus), one of 10 GNU affiliated parties, also believes there is no need to worry just yet.
The party's leader, Peter Groenewald, says the government will still function efficiently.
“Let's not forget that just because we don't have ministers yet, it doesn't mean that government institutions will collapse. They can continue to do their job as service providers. So let's give them a fair opportunity to form a cabinet that is best suited to the current South African situation.”
The United Democratic Movement (UDM), another member of the GNU, says President Ramaphosa should be given space to consult with all stakeholders, with secretary-general Yongama Dzigebe saying South Africa's future depends on the GNU.
“It is imperative that the President conducts thorough and proper consideration of the composition of his Cabinet and consults with all role players, including the 10 political parties within the GNU. This careful consideration is essential to ensure that cracks do not appear in the foundations of the GNU. We cannot afford division as the people are pinning their hopes for a better and greater country on the GNU. The people expect leaders and ministers who are quick to get to work and who will not be embroiled in or questioned by corruption allegations.”
Rise Mzansi, through its leader Songezo Zibi, said all political parties must act in good faith in these negotiations and pledged its full support to the GNU.
Spokesperson Gugu Ndima said Rise Mzansi had confidence in President Ramaphosa.
“I must commend them for trying to find a solution that is inclusive of all political parties. GNU is therefore an experiment whose success depends on how well political parties act in good faith, and it will fail if some or most parties do not act in good faith. We as Rise Mzansi intend to act in good faith. We will agree where the logic is clear and disagree where necessary. But we will always act in good faith, not for cynical political reasons. And if there are any resulting delays, we hope that it will not be for opportunistic reasons by other political organisations. But we have full confidence in the President of the Republic.”
DA's Preferences
The Patriotic Alliance (PA), one of the original four parties to join the GNU, is wary of some of the DA's policies.
Deputy President Kenny Kunene said the DA's demands were nothing more than an attempt to take control of the country through the back door.
“We are really concerned about the delay in forming government at the national level and particularly at the Gauteng provincial level. But we recognise that it is not the ANC that has done this, it is the greed of the DA that has caused this delay, the DA has made exorbitant demands on the ANC, some of whom are corrupt.”
In a letter sent to the ANC at the weekend, the DA demanded the post of deputy president and said if this was not granted the party would settle for the posts of minister in the presidency and deputy finance minister.
Therefore, the DA further states that if given the status of minister, except in the case of the Minister of Finance, it also wants the status of deputy minister.
GNU | DA wishlist: Mzwandile Mbeje says:
