ANC nears conclusion of cabinet talks
ANC nears conclusion of cabinet talks
By Hope Ntanzi
President Cyril Ramaphosa and the Democratic Alliance (DA) are nearing the final stages of negotiations over cabinet positions.
This comes after the African National Congress (ANC), alongside nine other parties signed the cabinet statement of intent at the Inanda Club where the political parties met on Wednesday.
According to Newzroom Afrika’s reporter Juniour Khumalo, ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri sounded confident that there was progress in the cabinet negotiations.
“It’s a process of consultation that has almost drawn to a close and we are confident that the president will make the necessary announcement at the right time,” said Motsiri.
Khumalo noted that about three National Executive Commitee (NEC) members confirmed that an agreement was in place.
According to Khumalo, the ANC said it needs to dispatch all NEC members to the provinces to justify why certain cabinet positions, particularly those given to the DA, are being allocated, as there is concern that the ANC’s base many do not fully support these decisions.
“The ANC has to give proportional positions to all the political parties involved.’’
Moreover, according to Khumalo, Motsiri said the request of the DA demanding 11 cabinet positions was “unconstitutional’’ and it wouldn’t delay the president’s announcement of the cabinet.
“The Patriotic Alliance (PA) has requested the minister of home affairs and police however, I am not sure whether the ANC is willing to give out those positions,’’ Khumalo said.
Furthermore, the ANC has been discussing with the smaller parties, but currently the DA is the party most willing to compromise due to the significant number of seats it holds Khumalo said.
“Parties like the Good we might see, we might also see Patricia de Lillle retaining the portfolio she had.
“We do need opposition parties to hold government accountable,’’ Khumalo said.
It’s going to be interesting to see who occupies those opposition benches said Khumalo.
IOL