While GNU is in place at executive level, the jostle for positions in legislature continues

CAPE TOWN - While the Government of National Unity (GNU) is in place at an executive level, the jostle for positions in the legislature continues. 

On Tuesday, the African National Congress (ANC) withdrew a motion to elect three house chairpersons in the National Assembly who support the work of the Speaker and the deputy because the Democratic Alliance (DA) was not in agreement. 

The election of presiding officers in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) also stalled for a second time in a week on Tuesday over a lack of consensus in awarding house positions.

The National Assembly needs three house chairpersons, the most powerful of these, the one who oversees all parliamentary committees.

The ANC has nominated Cedric Frolick to continue in the role he’s held since 2010, as well as the party’s Supra Mahumapelo. 

The nomination of Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP)’s Zandile Majozi for the third chair is not being contested. 

But DA leader John Steenhuisen said one post should go to his party. 

“There was a previous agreement that we would be represented in the house chairs as well in terms of the division. There were some negotiations, but it was not able to be concluded before the sitting started.”

Steenhuisen said if this does not come to pass, the party will want to be compensated with more portfolio committee chairs. 

The party has never had the opportunity to chair any parliamentary committee before.

“We’ve said it has to be broadly proportionate and we’ve seen the tussle over that at the executive level. But as I’ve said from the beginning, we want to do a deal to play a meaningful role. It’s not a co-option it’s a cooperation and a collaboration.”

In June, the deputy speaker’s post was awarded to the DA’s Annelie Lotriet, when the ANC backed her nomination.

With Cabinet portfolios having been announced on Sunday night, Parliament is hoping to constitute corresponding committees by the end of the week.