DA's Zille details Cabinet demands in letter to ANC's Mbalula

CAPE TOWN - With expectations high that President Cyril Ramaphosa will announce a Cabinet soon, the Democratic Alliance (DA) is driving a hard bargain to get its foot into the Union Buildings, as well as in each of the critical ministerial portfolios. 

If not the deputy presidency, which it previously said it wasn’t gunning for, it now says it wants the job in line with international standard practice for similar coalitions.

Failing this, it will fall back to its original demand of the minister in the Presidency, a position usually held by the president’s closest ally but only if it also gets to appoint the deputy minister of finance.

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DA federal chairperson, Helen Zille is not holding back on the party’s demands. 

In a detailed letter to the African National Congress (ANC)'s secretary-general, Fikile Mbalula, she said it was only fair and reasonable for the DA to be represented across all Cabinet clusters. 

This would include the ministries of mineral resources and energy, transport, and trade and industry. 

The DA also wants the ministerial portfolios of public works, higher education and public service and administration. 

Furthermore, it has its eye on home affairs, justice, international relations and communication. 

Not only does the DA want ministers in these departments, but deputies too, saying this is the only way it can effect meaningful change in government. 

But Zille doesn’t stop there. 

She said directors general of departments reporting to DA ministers would also have to be chosen by the party and the president should sign off on these appointments.