President Cyril Ramaphosa has penned a strongly-worded letter to DA leader John Steenhuisen, alleging that Steenhuisen has shifted negotiation terms with the ANC and proposed the establishment of an unlawful ‘parallel government’ outside constitutional boundaries.
Also read: DA must decide on joining ANC’s GNU after final offer of only six ministries
Negotiations for a government of national unity (GNU) have faced a new challenge, as tensions between the ANC and the DA escalated following the DA’s request for two additional cabinet posts.
The letter was penned subsequent to the ANC’s final proposal of six Cabinet positions. Subsequently, the DA’s request for an additional two posts, reportedly infuriated Ramaphosa and ANC negotiators.
In response to the DA’s earlier response, Ramaphosa chose to withdraw a critical position – Trade and Industry – from the DA’s initial proposal, according to News24.
Ramaphosa’s letter to Steenhuisen, in his role as ANC president, starts by reprimanding the opposition leader for preferring written correspondence in negotiations.
Ramaphosa writes:
‘Matters of national importance, such as these, are best conducted in face-to-face negotiations and only when both sides agree that the discussions between them have reached a level of maturity and advance should they be reduced to writing, to live up to the principle of transparency.’
He highlighted the potential for media disclosures and parties prioritising public perception over genuine negotiation.
Ramaphosa criticised a demand letter from DA’s federal executive council chairperson, Helen Zille, deeming it disrespectful, patronising, and at odds with the Constitution.
He accused Steenhuisen of altering the terms after the ANC proposed six cabinet portfolios, only for the DA to insist on eight.
He then criticised the DA, alleging the party’s intention to establish a ‘parallel government,’ an action he deemed unlawful.
‘I regard your approach in moving the goalposts as a continuation of what was articulated in your Federal Chair’s letter of 22 June 2024 on issues such as ‘sealed mandates’ of Ministries, through which the DA seemed to want to set up a parallel government that would operate outside the framework and parameters of the Constitution-based method and protocols of running the government of the Republic of South Africa.’
‘I also prefer not to deal further with the legally incompetent proposals to unilaterally re-determine contractual arrangements of directors-general and other contracts. I did inform you that I felt we should not dwell on the misguided propositions contained in that letter as paying attention to the contents of that letter would divert us from the task at hand of constituting a government of national unity.’
Ramaphosa also explained to Steenhuisen that the statement of intent, signed by all parties to form the GNU, did not stipulate that Cabinet posts should be allocated based on a party’s electoral performance, a point the DA had used to advocate for additional positions.
‘Clause 16 of the statement of intent makes plain that the government of national unity shall be constituted in a manner that reflects genuine inclusiveness of all the political parties that are party to the statement of intent and are represented in the National Assembly broadly taking into account [my emphasis] the number of seats parties have in the National Assembly and the need to advance the national interest.’
‘The clause further provides that the president shall, in constituting the executive, take into account the electoral outcomes. These commitments are set out in full appreciation of the president retaining discretion to constitute the Cabinet – a prerogative I believe I have duly and sufficiently tempered to fulfil the commitment of the statement of intent,’ Ramaphosa wrote.’
In his correspondence, Ramaphosa stressed the pressing need to establish a government and expressed willingness to continue discussions with Steenhuisen.
This story is developing.
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Picture: Jaco Marais / Gallo Images
