South African President Ramaphosa accused the leadership of the opposition party of attempting to "jeopardize the formation of a national unity government" (GNU), local media said, citing the president's leaked letter, which was addressed to DA party leader John Steenhuisen.
"I regard your approach in moving the goalposts [...] through which the DA seemed to want to set up a parallel government that would operate outside the framework and parameters of the constitution-based method and protocols of running the government of the Republic of South Africa," the letter read.
Ramaphosa emphasized that he will not discuss the DA's proposals, which represent a unilateral revision of the already agreed conditions for forming a national unity government.
"The latest proposals by the DA do not, I am afraid, align with the principles adopted and encapsulated in the Statement of Intent. The way they have been submitted undermines the process we had committed to following – open, grounded, consistent, constitutionally compliant engagements, honoring the collective understanding of our goal to create a government that reflects the will of the people," Ramaphosa wrote in the letter.
Previously, the South African president had promised the DA three cabinet positions in a 30-member administration under a so-called “statement of intent.” The DA opposed this, requesting the office of vice president and seven ministries, as well as the appointment of its own directors general. In return, Ramaphosa recommended that the DA run six ministries and fill six deputy minister positions.
Ramaphosa said the ANC would continue negotiations with other parties.
“I must advise that we are continuing to hold discussions with other parties over the portfolios they could occupy as we seek to finalize the agreement on the GNU,” he said.
On June 6, ANC leader and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa recommended creating a so-called GNU because no party received a majority in the May 29 general elections. He invited all 18 parliamentary parties to participate. On June 14, the ANC and DA signed an agreement outlining the basis for the formation and decision-making within this administration.