No Deputy President Position for DA Leader as Ramaphosa Announces GNU Cabinet

Pretoria, July 1, 2024 — In a significant turn of events, President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced the formation of a Government of National Unity (GNU) in South Africa. However, the Democratic Alliance (DA) leader, John Steenhuisen, will not be taking up the position of Deputy President, as previously speculated.

The GNU aims to foster cooperation among political parties and address the pressing challenges facing the nation. It represents a departure from the traditional winner-takes-all approach, emphasizing inclusivity and collaboration. As part of this arrangement, the DA had expressed its desire for at least 12 Cabinet posts, including the coveted Deputy President position.

In a leaked letter dated June 25, President Ramaphosa accused the DA of jeopardizing the foundation of the GNU. He criticized the party’s negotiation style, which relied heavily on correspondence and led to several leaked letters. Ramaphosa explicitly stated that the DA had made GNU talks difficult, hindering progress.

Furthermore, the DA’s demands for a complete overhaul of departmental allocations, including changes to directors-general, were met with resistance. Ramaphosa deemed the proposal to unilaterally redetermine contractual agreements legally incompetent.

Despite the DA’s refusal to accept Ramaphosa’s initial proposal, negotiations continued. Ultimately, a deal was struck, and Ramaphosa secured re-election as President with the support of the DA. John Steenhuisen, however, will not assume the role of Deputy President. Instead, Paul Mashatile remains in that position.

The GNU represents a critical moment for South Africa, and its success hinges on cooperation, compromise, and a commitment to addressing the nation’s challenges. As the new Cabinet takes shape, all eyes will be on how this diverse coalition government navigates the complexities of governance.