Desire for power clouds GNU: Analyst

June 28, 2024 57

Uncertainty has the best of South Africans as they patiently wait for President Cyril Ramaphosa’s all-embracing Cabinet.

The disagreements over positions have stalled talks, with the ANC and DA putting on a political show by leaking their documents of negotiations.

As the tensions continue to play out in public and leaving the nation divided, Political Analyst, Lesego More, says the desire for power seems to be clouding the formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU).

Ramaphosa penned a scathing letter to DA leader, John Steenhuisen, accusing the party of jeopardising the foundations of forming a GNU by moving goal posts.

Earlier this week the DA’s cabinet wish list was leaked, where they demanded more government portfolios than what was offered to them.

Ramaphosa says the DA’s recent letter, does not align with the principles adopted and encapsulated in the Statement of Intent and undermine the process of honouring the collective understanding of the GNU’s goal.

The President has accused the DA of wanting to set up a parallel government.

South Africa is still without a Cabinet, nine days after Ramaphosa’s inauguration.

More says it remains to be seen how Ramaphosa will exercise his prerogative of constituting his Cabinet.

“It’s time for these political parties to start walking the talk and show that at the heart of the GNU was to put South Africans first and not merely to consolidate power,” he adds.

Meanwhile, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi says while he is ready to announce his executive, he is still waiting to get the go ahead from the Presidency.

It’s been nearly two weeks since Lesufi was re-elected to Gauteng’s top office.

He says they’ve concluded all the consultations with the various political parties that form part of the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU).