South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has accused Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen of violating constitutional norms by attempting to establish a “parallel government.” This accusation, detailed in a leaked letter dated June 25, has sparked a significant political uproar.
The letter, which local media obtained, reveals tensions stemming from negotiations over cabinet positions between Ramaphosa’s African National Congress (ANC) and the DA. Following recent elections where neither party secured a majority, the coalition agreement stipulated that the DA would receive cabinet roles in exchange for supporting Ramaphosa’s presidency.
Initially offering six cabinet positions to the DA, Ramaphosa faced resistance when the DA demanded two additional posts. This shift in demands reportedly displeased ANC leadership, prompting Ramaphosa to accuse Steenhuisen of altering negotiation terms.
The fallout has implications for South Africa’s political landscape, particularly since the ANC lost its parliamentary majority for the first time since apartheid ended in 1994. With 40% of the vote going to the ANC and 22% to the DA, initial speculation among analysts suggested posturing for advantageous terms. However, leaked correspondence now indicates deeper divisions that threaten the coalition’s stability.
News of the potential collapse of the coalition agreement has adversely affected financial markets, causing a decline in the rand against the dollar. Business leaders are urging swift resolution to ensure political stability, which they argue is crucial for economic stability.
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