DA Issues List of Demands in Government Negotiations with ANC

In a recent development that could potentially disrupt the formation of a government of national unity (GNU), the Democratic Alliance (DA) has put forth a detailed list of demands in negotiations with the African National Congress (ANC).

A letter dated May 23 from Helen Zille, Chairperson of the DA Federal Council, and addressed to Fikile Mbalula, the Secretary-General of the ANC, outlines the opposition party’s conditions for joining the coalition government.

The DA’s demands include the appointment of its candidates to key ministries, such as international relations, energy, and mining, as well as seeking the position of Deputy President in the new government.

Among the proposed appointments, the letter suggests that the DA should have representation across various cabinet clusters and calls for the reallocation of certain ministerial portfolios to align with their preferences.

Furthermore, the DA insists on a say in the selection process of Directors General within departments that fall under their control, citing concerns over potential conflicts due to the ANC’s Cadre Deployment policy.

Additionally, the letter requests a review of all tenders issued by departments under the previous administration, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in decision-making processes.

To facilitate conflict resolution and ensure smooth governance, the DA proposes the establishment of a technical ‘clearing house’ involving representatives from all participating parties to address policy differences before they escalate within the Cabinet.

The letter from Zille also notes that the party’s participation in provincial governments in Gauteng and Kwazulu-Natal is contingent upon their involvement at the national level, underscoring the interconnectedness of their political strategy across different spheres of government.

The DA’s stance reflects a commitment to effecting positive change in government and delivering on the mandates received from millions of voters in the recent election, setting the stage for potentially complex negotiations between the two major political parties in South Africa.