Negotiations Between ANC and DA Reach Deadlock: ANC Nears Ultimatum Negotiations between the African National Congress (ANC) and the Democratic Alliance (DA) over the formation of local governments in several municipalities have reached a standstill. The ANC has reportedly moved closer to issuing an ultimatum to the DA. The two parties have been engaged in talks since the August 3 local government elections, which saw the ANC lose control of several municipalities it had held for decades. However, negotiations have been hampered by disagreements over key issues, including the sharing of power and the allocation of leadership positions. According to sources close to the negotiations, the ANC is becoming increasingly frustrated by the DA’s reluctance to compromise. The governing party is said to be close to giving the DA an ultimatum, which could force the latter to make a decision or face the consequences. “Negotiations are at a very fragile stage,” said an ANC insider. “The ANC is running out of patience and is close to giving the DA an ultimatum.” The DA, on the other hand, has accused the ANC of being inflexible and unreasonable in its demands. The opposition party has stated that it is committed to forming stable and inclusive governments, but only if its interests are taken into account. “We are not going to be bullied into accepting terms that are not in the best interests of the people we represent,” said a DA spokesperson. The deadlock in negotiations has raised concerns about the formation of local governments in several key municipalities. If the ANC and DA cannot reach an agreement, it could lead to instability and delays in the delivery of essential services to residents. Observers say that the outcome of the negotiations will have significant implications for the political landscape in South Africa. A failure to form governments could further erode the ANC’s support and strengthen the DA’s position as the main opposition party.The Democratic Alliance (DA) demands significant concessions during negotiations with the African National Congress (ANC) over the formation of a government of national unity (GNU):The Democratic Alliance (DA) demands significant concessions during negotiations with the African National Congress (ANC) over the formation of a government of national unity (GNU): * Appointment of DA leader John Steenhuisen as vice president * Control over 10 ministerial portfolios, including key economic departments such as finance, trade and agriculture The ANC is hesitant to grant these demands, especially the vice presidency currently held by Paul Mashatile. ANC insiders indicate a deadline may be given to the DA to accept offered portfolios or leave the GNU. Despite the impasse, some ANC members believe the DA’s demands may be too excessive and that they should be given a strict deadline to respond. However, others acknowledge the ANC’s weakened position and suggest offering the DA the powerful position of minister in the presidency as an alternative to the vice presidency. The ANC also faces pressure to accommodate smaller GNU parties in cabinet and deputy ministerial positions, with the GNU now incorporating ten parties. Negotiations Between ANC and DA Reach Deadlock Negotiations between the African National Congress (ANC) and the Democratic Alliance (DA) have reached a deadlock, with the ruling party reportedly close to giving the DA an ultimatum. The two parties have been in talks since the May 8 elections, when the ANC lost its majority in several municipalities. The DA had initially offered to form coalition governments with the ANC in three metros – Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Ekurhuleni – but the ANC rejected this proposal. The ANC has since been negotiating with smaller parties, including the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), to form coalition governments. However, these negotiations have also been unsuccessful. The DA has now said that it is prepared to give the ANC an ultimatum to either accept its coalition offer or face a motion of no confidence in the metros where the DA is the largest party. An ANC source told Eyewitness News that the party is “close to giving the DA an ultimatum.” The source said that the ANC is “not prepared to be held hostage by the DA” and that it will “pursue all options to form stable governments.” The DA’s ultimatum could force the ANC to make a difficult decision. If the ANC does not accept the DA’s offer, it could lose control of the three metros. However, if the ANC does accept the DA’s offer, it could alienate its core supporters. The deadlock between the ANC and the DA has raised concerns about the stability of local government in South Africa. It is unclear how the situation will be resolved and whether the ANC and the DA will be able to reach a compromise.