The ANC now has to do a coalition egg dance
AHEAD of tomorrow’s inauguration of President Cyril Ramaphosa, significant deliberations loom regarding the structure and agenda of South Africa’s 7th democratic administration.
Despite leading the ANC to its poorest election results in three decades, Ramaphosa projects a composed demeanour as he prepares for his final term in office.
Reports at the weekend suggested that the size of government might need expansion to accommodate the ANC’s coalition partners within Ramaphosa’s new Cabinet.
Currently, the taxpayer bears the burden of funding approximately R1.5 billion annually for the 64 members of South Africa’s executive, including ministers and deputies.
While smaller parties like the Patriotic Alliance (PA) and IFP did not sway the election significantly, the allure of Cabinet positions offers them a chance to bolster their national presence and gather resources ahead of the 2026 local government elections.
PA leader Gayton McKenzie has been vocal about securing the Home Affairs portfolio to advance his party’s stance on immigration.
In contrast, the DA, the second-largest party in the National Assembly, advocates for a Finance Minister from the private sector but refrains from other specific demands.
The coalition agreement, termed the “Government of National Unity”, necessitates ANC consultation with its partners on legislation and executive appointments. This arrangement implies potential compromises on ambitious policies like the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act and controversial aspects of Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) legislation.
The DA’s role in this coalition shields Ramaphosa from the scrutiny demanded by opposition parties.
Helen Zille of the DA suggested in a recent radio interview that unless new evidence of criminal wrongdoing surfaces, any further investigation into the Phala Phala scandal is unlikely to proceed – a situation emblematic of political quid pro quo.
As Ramaphosa embarks on his final presidential term, the dynamics of coalition governance will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of South Africa’s policies and political landscape.
His administration’s ability to navigate these complexities will determine its effectiveness in addressing our nation’s pressing challenges amidst broader socio-political expectations.