South Africa’s political scene is finally seeing a shakeup. Reports on Sunday from local media outlets, including the Sunday Times and City Press, suggest that the country’s political parties are on the brink of hashing out who gets which cabinet posts. This is the final obstacle before establishing a new government, after the ruling African National Congress (ANC) suffered a historic loss, failing to secure a majority for the first time in thirty years.
According to these reports, President Cyril Ramaphosa’s ANC and the main opposition, the Democratic Alliance (DA), have largely settled their differences. The DA has apparently relented on its demand to control the trade and industry portfolio, paving the way for a broader agreement.
What They Are saying
“We are cautiously optimistic that there could be an agreement before the end of the weekend,” senior DA politician Helen Zille told the Sunday Times.
Speculation is rife that Ramaphosa will unveil the new cabinet later on Sunday. However, when asked for comments, spokespeople from both parties were notably tight-lipped, refusing to divulge any details.
Why It Matters
The ANC, which once led the charge against apartheid, now finds itself in a forced partnership with the DA and other smaller parties in a government of national unity. This comes after a disastrous showing in the May 29 election, where it secured just 40% of the vote. Voters, disillusioned by the ANC’s failure to deliver essential services such as water, schools, and electricity, coupled with rampant unemployment, poverty, and corruption, turned their backs on Nelson Mandela’s once-revered party.
Even if a cabinet deal is struck, political analysts warn that the ideological chasm between the ANC and DA could stymie effective governance. The DA has made it clear that it wants to dismantle some of the ANC’s Black empowerment programs. These initiatives, they argue, have only enriched a politically connected elite while leaving the broader Black population in poverty.
Additionally, the DA is staunchly opposed to the ANC’s plan to expropriate land without compensation, a move aimed at redistributing land from white owners—a lingering vestige of colonialism and apartheid—to Black farmers. Furthermore, the DA aims to eliminate the minimum wage, currently at 27.58 rand ($1.52) per hour, claiming it hampers the competitiveness of South Africa’s workforce.
Bottom Line
So, while a cabinet agreement might be imminent, the path forward for South Africa’s government promises to be anything but smooth.
