ANC-DA Gauteng marriage crumbles

The short and shaky marriage between the DA and the ANC, among others, in Gauteng has ended.

The DA has decided to withdraw from the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) in the province after failed negotiations with the ANC over co-governance.

The DA made announced its decision not long after the leadership of the ANC in Gauteng, led by the party’s Secretary- General, Fikile Mbalula, articulated the organisation’s stance in the stalemate with the DA.

The ANC refused to move from its offer of three MEC positions for the blue party, which wanted four.

In a veiled take it or leave it style, the ANC said it would reserve the seven other portfolios to be shared between itself and other small parties who are part of the GPU.

Mbalula also intimated that Gauteng provincial ANC chairperson and Premier, Panyaza Lesufi, would be announcing his executive tonight – with or without the DA’s participation.

Not long after the televised briefing, the DA released a statement, rejecting the offer – slamming it as unreasonable and unfair.

Panyaza wearing a t-shirt written “Don’t kill Chris Hani Again” to the press briefing today was deliberate and speaks volumes…
Whoever they decide to put in their cabinet they must not kill Chris Hani Again or spit on his legacy. pic.twitter.com/GoeazfO3lw

— Melanin_Mmaps (@Melanin_Mmaps) July 3, 2024

Lesufi had postponed the cabinet announcement twice already to accommodate further negotiations with the DA but will now seek cooperation with smaller political parties in the province.

The developments in Gauteng, however, so far – have no bearing on the Government of National Unity (GNU) and other GPU deals the two parties have with one another in other provinces. Written by Naomi Kobbie