According to ANC sources, the party has given the DA till 5 p.m. on Sunday to approve new cabinet suggestions.
The ultimatum follows protracted negotiations between the two parties as they try to finalize the composition of the Government of National Unity (GNU).
According to sources, the DA initially wanted seven ministerial seats, including Water and Sanitation, Communications, Minerals and Energy, Education, Public Service and Administration, and Health. The DA also attempted to install John Steenhuisen as Deputy President. However, following protracted talks, the DA’s proposal was cut to five cabinet slots.
“The ANC has made it clear that we are willing to compromise, but we cannot accede to all of the DA’s demands,” according to a senior ANC source. “We have counter-offered with five ministries and believe this is a fair arrangement.”
According to sources, President Cyril Ramaphosa is considering expanding his cabinet to include GNU allies, with some smaller parties perhaps handed deputy minister positions. “There is the possibility of expanding the cabinet to ensure that all partners are adequately accommodated,” said another ANC insider.
The conversations take place against the backdrop of tension between the ANC and the DA over the last two weeks.
The recent public spat between Helen Zille, the DA’s Federal Chairperson, and Fikile Mbalula, the ANC Secretary-General, has heightened tension. The issue centers on the interpretation of the GNU’s declaration of intent, with Zille accusing Mbalula of failing to read the agreement accurately before signing it.
Two high-profile racial incidents involving DA members of Parliament have further strained relations. The occurrences aroused uproar and exacerbated the already strained relationship between the two parties.
Ramaphosa is expected to introduce his cabinet on Sunday or at the latest on Monday.
