GNU: ANC slams DA over selfish demands during negotiations

GNU: ANC slams DA over selfish demands during negotiations

African National Congress (ANC) first deputy secretary-general Nomvula Mokonyane says no self-respecting organisation can agree to the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) demands regarding ministerial positions in the Government of National Unity (GNU).

A letter from DA Federal Chairperson Helen Zille outlining the party’s demands was leaked and is circulating on social media platforms.

ANC SLAMS DA FOR ITS DEMANDS IN THE GNU 

For the first time since the dawn of democracy in 1994, the liberation party’s support declined to just 40%. The party has consistently polled above 50%, making electing the President and cabinet easier.

As a result, the ANC formed a Government of National Unity with the DA, IFP, GOOD, PA, and six other parties to govern the country. The ruling party has reiterated that different political parties can still join.

In an interview with Newzroom Afrika, ANC first DSG Nomvula Mokonyane criticised the DA, saying it only imposes what is suitable for it.

Mokonyane said the DA should accept that everyone serves at the President’s and the Constitution’s behest. In addition, some parties have to be accommodated too.

“In terms of rule 23 of the Statement of Intention [which parties in the GNU signed], we intend to embrace everybody. Therefore, we are not responding to the demands of the DA,” she said.

Mokonyane said the DA’s demands prove that the party’s intention is not to be inclusive but an assumption that the GNU is a coalition between the DA and ANC and maybe one other party because they signed earlier.

“The fact of the matter is they signed on the same day with the Patriotic Alliance if they care to know. Many parties have also signed, and nobody will be left behind.

“To bring everyone together, you need to be tolerant, you need to be accommodative and of importance, you need to respect the spirit of the country’s Constitution and the role of the President in terms of his/her prerogative,” Mokonyane added.

WHAT DID THE DEMOCRATIC ALLIANCE DEMAND? 

In the letter to Fikile Mbalula, 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.

Zille also said they want a review of all tenders awarded since the elections in departments where it will have ministerial control.

The party also insists that the contracts of director generals in these departments be terminated in favour of DA-approved appointments.

Zille argued that the incumbents may not be amenable to taking direction from DA ministers, especially given the ANC’s cadre deployment policy.