Gauteng Cabinet Postponed as Negotiators Request More Time Johannesburg, South Africa – The inaugural meeting of the Gauteng Provincial Cabinet, scheduled for today, has been postponed to allow negotiators more time to finalize outstanding matters. Premier Panyaza Lesufi confirmed the postponement. “We have made progress in the negotiations, but we need additional time to address a few remaining issues,” Lesufi said. “We are confident that we will be able to conclude the negotiations and form a stable and inclusive government.” The postponement comes amid ongoing negotiations between the African National Congress (ANC), the Democratic Alliance (DA), and other minority parties to form a coalition government in Gauteng. The ANC won the most seats in the provincial legislature in the recent elections but fell short of an outright majority. Sources close to the negotiations indicate that sticking points include the allocation of portfolios and the composition of the executive council. They also suggest that some parties are concerned about the ANC’s insistence on appointing former President Jacob Zuma to a role in the government. Lesufi stressed that the postponement is a temporary measure and that the cabinet will still be formed within the constitutional timeframe. He appealed for patience and understanding from the public. “We understand the importance of having a functioning cabinet in place,” Lesufi said. “We are committed to concluding the negotiations as soon as possible and presenting the province with a government that will serve all its citizens.” The new cabinet is expected to play a crucial role in addressing the many challenges facing Gauteng, including unemployment, poverty, and inequality. It will also be responsible for implementing the province’s development agenda and overseeing the delivery of essential services.Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s plan to unveil his cabinet on Sunday faced a setback due to requests for additional time from negotiators. Lesufi indicated that the parties involved sought more time, leading to the postponement of the announcement.Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s plan to unveil his cabinet on Sunday faced a setback due to requests for additional time from negotiators. Lesufi indicated that the parties involved sought more time, leading to the postponement of the announcement. Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa is also engaged in consultations with partners of the Government of National Unity (GNU) as he finalizes appointments to his cabinet. Premier Lesufi emphasized the importance of parties within the provincial unity government reaching a consensus swiftly to ensure the smooth functioning of the provincial administration. He urged them to prioritize the interests of the province and its residents.Negotiators appointed to facilitate the formation of the Gauteng provincial government have requested more time to conclude their discussions. This was confirmed by Gauteng Premier-elect Panyaza Lesufi this morning during a media briefing. Lesufi said the negotiations team had requested a postponement of the announcement of the provincial cabinet, which was originally scheduled for today. “The negotiations team has informed me that they still need more time to finalize the discussions, and I have agreed to their request,” he said. Lesufi said he was confident that the negotiations team would be able to reach an agreement soon. “I am confident that we will be able to announce the provincial cabinet soon, and I urge all stakeholders to be patient as we work to form a stable and effective government for the people of Gauteng,” he said. The negotiations team is made up of representatives from the ANC, the DA, the EFF, and the IFP. They have been tasked with negotiating the composition of the provincial cabinet, including the allocation of portfolios. The announcement of the provincial cabinet had been highly anticipated, as it will provide the first indication of how the ANC plans to govern the province in coalition with other parties. The ANC won the most seats in the Gauteng provincial legislature in the recent elections, but it did not secure an outright majority. This means that it will need to form a coalition government with other parties in order to govern the province.