After weeks of uncertainty and negotiations, the ANC has announced a Government of Provincial Unity (GPU) cabinet in Gauteng without the participation of the DA.
ANC announces Gauteng GPU Cabinet
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi revealed the new GPU cabinet on Wednesday, following weeks of delay that drew ire from not only the public but opposition parties too.
The cabinet positions are as follows:
- Finance: Lebogang Maile (ANC)
- Human Settlements: Tasneem Motara (ANC)
- Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta): Jacob Mamabolo (ANC)
- Health: Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko (ANC)
- Transport: Kedibone Tlhabela (ANC)
- Education: Matome Chiloane (ANC)
- eGovernment: Bonginkosi Dlamini (IFP)
- Agriculture: Vuyiswa Ramokgopa (Rise Mzansi)
- Environment: Sheila Mary Peters (PA)
- Social Development: Faith Mazibuko (ANC)
This announcement comes after the ANC and DA failed to reach an agreement on the allocation of executive council portfolios.
Despite efforts to form a power-sharing government, the two parties could not agree on proportional representation within the cabinet.
Why did the DA walk away from negotiations?
The DA decided to pull out of the GPU negotiations due to disagreements over the allocation of cabinet positions.
Gauteng DA leader Solly Msimanga stated that the party had initially agreed to a power-sharing deal reflecting the balance of seats held by both parties in the provincial legislature.
The DA holds 45% of the GPU in Gauteng, while the ANC holds 55%.
However, the proposed cabinet by the ANC would have seen the ANC occupy 73% of the executive positions, leaving only 27% for the DA.
This discrepancy led the DA to conclude that the ANC was not negotiating in good faith.
DA federal council chairperson Helen Zille revealed at a press briefing on Tuesday that the ANC intended to allocate only three positions to the DA while keeping seven, plus the Premier position, for themselves.
The DA argued that this division contradicted Clause 19 of the Statement of Intent, which they interpreted to mean that power should be shared in relation to the votes received by each party.
The DA’s refusal to accept a lesser role in the GPU led to their decision to walk away from the negotiations.
What implications does a DA-less Gauteng GPU cabinet hold for the ANC?
The formation of a DA-less GPU in Gauteng has several implications for the ANC and the province’s governance.
With the DA out of the picture, the ANC will need to rely on other parties to maintain a functional majority in the provincial legislature.
The new cabinet includes members from the IFP, Rise Mzansi, and the PA, reflecting a more diverse coalition.
Mbalula, during Wednesday’s presser, emphasised the urgency of establishing the GPU to address the economic and social challenges facing Gauteng.
“We are unable to accede to the DA’s latest proposals, as we have indicated throughout negotiations. The DA is not the only party we are negotiating with the setting up of the Government of Provincial Unity,” Mbalula reiterated.
The ANC’s decision to proceed without the DA demonstrates its determination to maintain control and avoid further delays in governance.
However, the exclusion of the DA could lead to increased political tension and opposition within the provincial legislature. The DA, now positioned in the opposition benches, is likely to challenge the ANC’s decisions and push for greater accountability.
The success of the new GPU will depend on the ANC’s ability to manage its coalition partners and deliver on its promises to the people of Gauteng.
