The DA has told the ANC that their deal is off if it does not get the cabinet positions it wants.
The original cabinet offer included the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Competition (DTIC).
The DA is now angry with Ramaphosa’s decision to replace the DTIC with the Ministry of Tourism and reduce the number of deputy ministers offered from seven to six, News24 reported.
John Steenhuisen, the DA leader, had agreed to Ramaphosa’s offer of six ministries, including the DTIC, but the change angered the DA’s leadership.
They agreed that Ramaphosa’s new offer is “not acceptable”.
Ramaphosa was elected president two weeks ago with the support of DA MPs.
The DA also backed the ANC’s candidates for speaker in parliament and chairperson of the National Council of Provinces and supported the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal when the IFP proposed offering the ANC fewer seats in the provincial executive.
The ANC has looked at plans to only include the IFP, PA, PAC, and Good without the DA in the cabinet.
However, this would not give the ANC a majority in the National Assembly. The ANC would need support from other parties to pass legislation, including the budget.
Ramaphosa would also be vulnerable to motions of no confidence.
On Wednesday, the ANC said its offer to the DA was final, and Ramaphosa and the ANC are eager to announce the final cabinet soon.
Compiled by Staff Writer
Pictured above: Cyril Ramaphosa and John Steenhuisen.
Source: File