DA refuses to join ANC-led Gauteng Provincial Government of Unity after failed negotiations over executive council positions

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng won’t be joining the Provincial Government of Unity.

This decision comes after negotiations with the African National Congress (ANC) hit a standstill.

The talks, which were focused on positions within the province’s executive council, failed to reach an agreement.

As a result, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi had to postpone his announcement of the executive council members yet again.

Solly Msimanga, the DA’s Gauteng leader, explained that despite intensive discussions and weeks of negotiations, the DA decided not to accept the terms proposed by the ANC.

Msimanga emphasized that the offer made by the ANC was deemed unfair and unreasonable by the DA.

They had entered the negotiations with the intention of building a unified relationship based on trust, but the ANC’s approach did not align with this goal.

Failed Negotiations

Msimanga further detailed the negotiations, stating that the ANC’s attitude suggested a reluctance to view the DA as an equal partner.

This attitude, combined with the ANC’s significant loss of vote share in Gauteng, made it clear that they were not ready for a true partnership.

The DA could not accept a role that would reduce them to mere functionaries rubber-stamping the ANC’s decisions.

The negotiations, meant to be grounded in principles as outlined in the national Statement of Intent, did not reflect this critical document’s spirit.

The Door Remains Open

Despite the breakdown, the DA stated they are still open to further negotiations if the ANC demonstrates a genuine commitment to equal partnership.

The two parties hold nearly the same number of seats in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, with 28 for the ANC and 22 for the DA.

During a media briefing, the DA disclosed that the ANC had only offered them three out of ten cabinet seats, without clear communication about the allocation of the remaining seats.

Call for Clarity

Helen Zille, the DA Federal chairperson, mentioned that the ANC admitted their intention to keep seven cabinet seats for themselves, offering three to the DA.

This approach, according to the DA, did not foster an atmosphere of trust and lacked the necessary clarity for a successful negotiation.

TDPel Media

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