As the fight for Cabinet positions threatens to collapse the Government of National Unity (GNU), President Cyril Ramaphosa yesterday urged the united parties to put aside their ‘narrow interests’ and channel their efforts to the creation of an ‘inclusive government’.

This comes as GNU negotiations have deadlocked over the number of Cabinet seats that parties are entitled to.

In his newsletter published yesterday, Ramaphosa said differences over the allocation of Cabinet positions have the potential to erode public confidence in the GNU.

“The formation of the second GNU is a momentous development in South Africa’s democracy. Every effort must be made to ensure that the GNU remains true to its founding spirit of collaboration in good faith, to drive a programme that improves the lives of all South Africans,” said Ramaphosa.

According to sources, the power-sharing dispute has resulted in Ramaphosa holding back on the announcement of the GNU Cabinet. Ramaphosa, who was re-elected during the National Assembly’s first sitting over a week ago, said citizens are more interested in a GNU which best serves their needs and not in how the Cabinet positions were allocated.

“The fact that there is broad consensus among the parties on the priorities of the incoming administration gives us encouragement that the GNU will indeed take the country forward. Emanating from the priorities outlined in the Statement of Intent, the parties will further refine the GNU’s programme, including through the proposed national dialogue process.

“We remain committed to consensus-building and to the representation of a broad range of interests and viewpoints within government. At the same time, we are all aware that South Africans expect action, implementation and results,” he said.

Meanwhile, the ANC yesterday accused some individuals from GNU parties of negotiating in bad faith.

“The ANC notes with concern that some parties have been making outlandish and outrageous demands for specific Cabinet positions in the media.

“Negotiating through leaking demands to the media is an act of bad faith and this practice will not help the cause of any party. It’s only the president who has the final say on the appointment of his Cabinet. The GNU cannot be held to ransom by any single party,” ANC national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said.

In a document, which was leaked to the media, the DA – which is the second largest party in the GNU – is allegedly demanding 30% of the 30 Cabinet positions.

The DA also demanded the removal of director-generals currently serving in departments that the party wants to control. Further, the DA demanded being granted a bigger say in the appointment of director-generals who will be serving in departments under the party’s control.

In the event of the DA being unable to participate in the GNU, the party said it would also be compelled to withdraw from the KZN government of provincial unity.