DA Federal Council Chair and coalition negotiator Helen Zille has responded to criticism over her party’s handling of cabinet negotiations.
Following the general elections in May, the ANC teamed up with the DA and other political parties to form a Government of National Unity (GNU). However, recent negotiations have hit a stalemate amid accusations of heavy demands by the DA.
Former President Nelson Mandela’s secretary, Zelda la Grange, criticized the ongoing deadlock, describing it as ‘bickering for power.’ She emphasized the urgency of forming a cabinet to address the country’s rising crime and poverty rates.
‘Every day that goes by without a cabinet, we sink deeper into our problems,’ she wrote on social media.
In response, Helen Zille defended the DA’s demands, arguing that serious negotiations about impactful portfolios should not be dismissed as mere bickering.
‘There is no point in going into government if you cannot make a difference where it matters,’ she stated. Zille also criticized those who accused her of using condescending language, labelling them ‘professional offence-seekers.’
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The ANC and DA’s coalition partner, the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), has called for President Cyril Ramaphosa to announce his cabinet. IFP President Velenkosini Hlabisa stressed the importance of moving beyond the current holding pattern to address the pressing issues facing the nation.
The ongoing cabinet negotiations have sparked significant debate and criticism. As the coalition partners work to finalize the executive, the focus remains on forming a government capable of addressing the country’s urgent challenges. The coming days will be crucial in determining the direction of South Africa’s governance.
