Helen Zille has issued an ultimatum to the ANC over the ongoing deadlock in forming the Gauteng Government of Provincial Unity (GPU), demanding fair representation based on election results.
Helen Zille reveals reasons behind Gauteng GPU deadlock
Despite some progress, the parties have not yet reached an agreement on the composition of the government.
In a statement, Zille stressed the DA’s willingness to negotiate and its commitment to a power-sharing partnership that accurately reflects the will of the electorate.
The DA, comprising 45% of the GPU compared to the ANC’s 55%, was offered only three out of 10 cabinet seats.
This allocation fell short of the proportional representation outlined in Clause 16 of the National Statement of Intent, signed on 14 June 2024.
Zille explained that the ANC initially intended to allocate seven seats to themselves, excluding other parties such as the IFP, which had been part of the national agreement.
The DA found this offer unacceptable, as it did not reflect good faith or the principles of inclusiveness and proportionality.
The ANC later proposed reducing their seats to six and retaining three for the DA, with one seat for either the IFP or the PA.
However, the DA maintained that this revised offer still did not meet the requirements of Clause 16.
Zille stated:
“We are prepared to enter the GPU in Gauteng as a power-sharing partnership to reflect the will of the electorate. We are not prepared to be co-opted by the ANC on their own terms, acting as if it still has an overall majority.”
ANC expected to respond to DA: Here’s what you must know
The ANC is expected to respond to the DA’s ultimatum and the issues raised by Zille in a media briefing scheduled for Wednesday, 3 July 2024.
The briefing will be held at Chief Albert Luthuli House, where the ANC will address the latest developments related to the formation of the Gauteng GPU.
The ANC’s response will be crucial in determining the future of the GPU in Gauteng.
The DA has expressed its readiness to continue negotiations if the ANC demonstrates a genuine commitment to treating the DA as an equal partner.
Zille emphasised that the DA’s door remains open for further discussions, but only if conducted in an atmosphere of mutual respect and good faith.
The deadlock in Gauteng does not affect the GNU agreement in KwaZulu-Natal, where the DA and ANC have successfully reached a deal.
However, the situation in Gauteng remains unresolved, with the DA standing firm on its demands for fair representation and power-sharing.
