'The devil is in the details': DA, IFP say they're not opposed to government of national unity

CAPE TOWN - The Democratic Alliance (DA) and Inkatha Freedom Party (IPF) say they’re not opposed to the idea of a government of national unity (GNU), but they will need more details.

Their position follows President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement on Thursday night that this is the preferred option for the African National Congress (ANC), after the party failed to achieve an outright majority in last week’s polls.

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While the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) rejected the notion, the DA and IFP said it’s a position they could build on.

The ANC is laying its cards on the table on how it wants a future government to look.

While the DA said the move allowed negotiations to move into a more substantive phase, there was still a long way to go.

“We also hope to get more details from the ANC on the finer details of what the government of national unity proposal entails,” said spokesperson Solly Malatsi.

Under Thabo Mbeki's administration, the DA chose several ambassadorships. Its chief negotiator, Tony Leon, was among them.

Meanwhile, the IFP said its task team would engage further with the ANC and other political parties over the weekend.

“In principle, the IFP is not averse to a GNU. However, the devil is in the details, which will be clearer in the coming days, thus enabling the IFP to make a well-considered decision,” said spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa.

Both parties said their negotiating teams will report back to their respective executives on Monday.