After a series of struggles, the South African presidency has announced that President Cyril Ramaphosa will reveal his new cabinet live on national television on Sunday night. This development suggests that the factions within his unity government have finally reached an agreement.
Background
The African National Congress (ANC), was compelled to form a coalition with rival parties after losing its majority power for the first time in three decades, following a disappointing election on May 29. The ANC has been negotiating with the main opposition, the Democratic Alliance (DA), which is also a member of the current coalition government, over the allocation of cabinet posts.
Cabinet Negotiations
The cabinet negotiations were the final obstacle to establishing the new government. According to reports from two national newspapers, a breakthrough was achieved on Sunday when the DA withdrew its demand for the trade and industry portfolio.
Historical Context
For decades since the end of apartheid 30 years ago, the ANC has dominated South African politics with a parliamentary majority. However, dissatisfaction among South African voters over the ANC’s failure to deliver basic services such as water, schools, and electricity led to the party’s defeat in the recent elections, necessitating a coalition to maintain governance.
The Role of the Democratic Alliance
The Democratic Alliance, historically a strong opposition to ANC policies and now a coalition partner, has significant ideological differences with the ANC. Analysts suggest that the coalition’s success will depend on their ability to reconcile these differences. The DA aims to dismantle some of the ANC’s Black empowerment programs, arguing that they have only enriched a politically connected elite while leaving the Black majority impoverished. Additionally, the DA opposes the ANC’s plan to expropriate land without compensation and redistribute it to Black farmers, a move intended to address the historical legacy of land conquest and white minority rule.
The DA also seeks to eliminate South Africa’s minimum wage, currently set at 27.58 rand ($1.52) per hour, arguing that it makes the workforce uncompetitive.
Bottom Line
The formation of a coalition government in South Africa marks a significant shift in the country’s political landscape. The success of this new administration will hinge on its ability to navigate and reconcile the deep-seated ideological differences between its constituent parties.
