DA's John Steenhuisen Eyes Key Government Role in GNU Agreement
- Democratic Alliance leader John Steenhuisen is reportedly eyeing the Leader of Government Business position under the GNU agreement
- The party is also hoping to secure Cabinet positions to address its seven main priorities as listed in its election manifesto
- The negotiations for Cabinet positions are expected to commence after Cyril Ramaphosa’s inauguration on 19 June 2024
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Zingisa Chirwa is an experienced Briefly News journalist based in Johannesburg, South Africa, who has covered politics and current affairs on the radio for over 15 years.
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The DA’s John Steenhuisen has reportedly set his sights on the position of Leader of Government Business under the Government of National Unity (GNU) agreement.
DA could secure 7 Cabinet positions
In that role, which the Deputy President previously held, Steenhuisen’s responsibilities would include overseeing Cabinet's fulfilment of its duties and the timely and correct handling of legislation initiated by Cabinet.
According to the City Press, Steenhuisen’s party could secure seven Cabinet posts in the seventh administration. The DA leader wouldn’t divulge much but told the publication on 15 June that his party hoped to secure positions to address its manifesto’s seven main priorities.
Negotiations about Cabinet posts were expected to start after President-elect Cyril Ramaphosa’s inauguration at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on 19 June. While the President had the authority to appoint the Cabinet, the GNU agreement stipulated that it must be broadly proportional to the parties represented in the National Assembly.
South Africans reflect on John Steenhuisen's ambitions
Netizens shared their thoughts on the DA's possible Cabinet gains on social media.
@StHonorable said:
“I actually don't mind who heads what department; all I want is service delivery and a stable economy.”
@the_kn_diary commented:
“Leader of government business, they'll all be gone soon with privatisation. Pravin Gordan did slow on them. John will speedily privatise everything.”
@tgmolapisane added:
“This is a peaceful coup. The ANC people can say whatever they want to say. The liberation project has defacto been paused.”
@rorisang_Mjay suggested:
“They must stay away from military, police, intelligence, State-owned enterprises, minerals and resources, foreign affairs and finance. Judge positions.”
@MosaseTumelo stated:
“I think we can all accept that expropriation of land is off the table now.”
ANC-DA agreement primarily economic, not political
Briefly News reported that a political analyst believes the agreement between the ANC and the DA was a business agreement and not political.
Gakwi Mashego was reacting to the two organisations entering a framework agreement that saw them secure three key positions.
Mashego said the pact between the two political parties would focus on rebuilding the economy as envisioned by their founders.
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Source: Briefly News
