DA still committed to GNU process amid reports it could walk away, says Gwarube
With GNU talks now in their 27th day, the back-and-forth tussle between the two largest parties – the DA and the ANC - over executive posts continues.
DA Parliamentary Chief Whip Siviwe Gwarube speaks to Eyewitness News at the Union Buildings ahead of the 2024 presidential inauguration on 19 June 2024. Picture: Jacques Nelles/Eyewitness News
CAPE TOWN - Amid reports that the Democratic Alliance (DA) could walk away from the Government of National Unity (GNU) if its demands for ministerial posts are not met, the party’s parliamentary whip, Siviwe Gwarube, said the party is still very much committed to the process.
A week since his inauguration, President Cyril Ramaphosa has been widely expected to announce his Cabinet this week.
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Gwarube, who has also been one of the DA’s negotiators in this process, said all is not yet lost.
With GNU talks now in their 27th day, the back-and-forth tussle between the two largest parties over executive posts continues.
The latest impasse comes as the DA wants Ramaphosa to up his offer of six Cabinet posts to eight, and the same number of deputy ministers, although not necessarily in the same portfolios.
Gwarube said the negotiations were at a critical and sensitive stage.
“We are very much obviously committed to forming part of the Government of National Unity, and we are hoping that as the DA and ANC [African National Congress] and other political parties that we can find each other because ultimately, it’s not just about getting into government for us, it’s about delivering to South Africans the things we said are important.”
Gwarube said it’s imperative that parties reach consensus soon so that both the executive and the legislature can get to work.
Ten parties are now signed up to the pact, which is still stuck in the intention phase.