Yires split between Malema, Steenhuisen for DP post

As talks between the ANC and DA have reportedly soured over key roles in the President’s Cabinet, young people have shared their thoughts on their preferred candidates to form part of the Executive of the Government of National Unity (GNU).

While some support DA leader John Steenhuisen’s bid for Deputy President, others believe EFF leader Julius Malema could bring the necessary opposition to the arrangement.

One young person praised the EFF’s commitment to standing up for the needs of young black South Africans.

“They’re not afraid to speak up and stand up for what’s right and that’s what’s needed.”

Others support parties like the DA and ActionSA, citing their transparency and the seeming lack of political scandals.

Uber driver, Khanya Ntombela praised Herman Mashaba’s integrity.

“He’s shown he’s not standing for corruption,” explains Ntombela.

However, some young people, like 20-year-old student John Fourie, worry that the GNU may lead to decisions being made behind closed doors, and politicians ignoring parliamentary processes.

“What’s the point of having a Parliament if everything is prearranged?” he asked YNews.

As negotiations intensify, political analyst, Sandile Mswana, says the DA is trying to mobilise the public by leaking their demands to form part of the government.

The document of the DA’s cabinet wish list has divided the nation as citizens patiently wait for the president’s all-inclusive executive.

The DA’s desired principles of proportionality seem to be at the heart of the delays, as they demand key ministerial positions including, the deputy president and its own directors-general.

The ANC allocating Cabinet positions based on the proportionality of seats each party has within the GNU, would limit accountability to the National Assembly.

It instead wants Cabinet representation to be based on the number of seats a party has in the House.

Mswana says the DA’s strategy is to seize power from the ANC over the next five years.

Written by Naomi Kobbie