Disagreements are surfacing within South Africa’s governing coalition over cabinet appointments and the inclusion of new parties in the Government of National Unity (GNU).
Africa National Congress (ANC) secretary-general Fikile Mbalula and Democratic Alliance (DA) federal council chair Helen Zille appear to have differing views on the conditions governing the agreements for the GNU.
Mbalula expressed confidence in the ANC’s ability to make certain decisions without the DA’s approval. During an interview with journalist Clement Manyathela on the SABC’s #FaceTheNation show, Mbalula stated, “The DA does not have the veto power. The threshold of 60% is of all the parties that will participate, when you constitute a government and you talk about 60% and political parties broadly that participate.” He further emphasised that the cabinet ultimately determines the decisions, and a single political party cannot impede the executive’s operations unless it is institutionalised and reflected in the country’s constitution.
However, Zille countered Mbalula’s assertions, stressing the necessity for consensus among GNU parties regarding cabinet decisions and the inclusion of new partners in the unity government. She highlighted the DA’s significant role, stating, “We will represent at least 30% of the seats in the GNU. Without the DA, the ANC can’t reach 60% of the seats in the National Assembly occupied by the GNU parties.”
Zille also pointed out that the ANC cannot unilaterally include new parties in the GNU, referring to clause 24 of the signed document, which stipulates that the composition of the GNU shall be discussed and agreed upon among the existing parties whenever new parties desire to join. She emphasised that the ANC, DA, and IFP are the three founding members of the GNU and that Mbalula should adhere to the agreed-upon terms.
Mbalula, nonetheless, maintained that the ANC would not close its doors to parties interested in joining the GNU, stating, “We don’t close doors to people because they have all of these sort of ideas.”
Furthermore, Zille underscored the importance of transparency and consultation in the appointment of cabinet members, asserting that President Cyril Ramaphosa cannot make such decisions unilaterally. She emphasised, “We have to be consulted. While recognising the president’s prerogative to appoint members of the executive, such appointments should be done in consultation with the leaders of the respective parties for other members considered for appointment. So he can’t just let anybody come in. He has to consult with us.”
As the discussions surrounding the GNU continue, it remains to be seen how the ANC and DA will navigate their differences and find common ground in the formation and functioning of the government of national unity.