Ramaphosa plans to conclude talks with DA this week ahead of Cabinet announcement

JOHANNESBURG - President Cyril Ramaphosa has drawn a line in the sand as he tells the Democratic Alliance (DA) he intends to conclude negotiations this week ahead of appointing his Cabinet.
 
On Thursday, the country, for the first time in recent days, got insights into Ramaphosa’s thought process through a leaked letter he sent to the DA's John Steenhuisen.

In it, he made it clear that the country could not continue in the current state of paralysis.
 
The back and forth between the African National Congress (ANC) and the DA has been playing out through leaked letters in the public arena – this as they attempt to negotiate a power-sharing deal.

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The ANC continues to back its leader President Cyril Ramaphosa’s sentiments that the DA, in current negotiations, has been frustrating.
 
Ramaphosa, in his letter, also took a swipe at the DA's own correspondence and demands, saying he found it offensive, condescending and inconsistent with the Constitution.
 
He also made it clear that while the door remained open for further discussions, he would not be beholden to the DA.
 
The president said he was continuing negotiations with other parties who wished to join the ANC's Government of National Unity (GNU) formation, this as his party considers other proposals before it.
 
Ramaphosa said the work of setting up government remained urgent.