Coalition Nation: Ramaphosa Alters Cabinet Offer to DA, Excludes Crucial Minister President Cyril Ramaphosa has revised his cabinet offer to the Democratic Alliance (DA), removing the proposed appointment of a key minister, sparking mixed reactions in South Africa’s political landscape. Initial Offer and DA Concerns Ramaphosa’s initial offer included the appointment of DA MP Ghaleb Cachalia as Minister of Public Enterprises. However, the DA raised concerns about Cachalia’s alleged inability to declare conflicts of interest while serving as a member of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises. Revised Offer and Reaction In response, Ramaphosa has withdrawn Cachalia’s nomination and replaced it with another DA MP, Michael Cardo. This move has been met with approval from the DA, which welcomed Cardo’s appointment and expressed confidence in his ability to lead the crucial Public Enterprises portfolio. On the other hand, some political analysts have criticized Ramaphosa’s decision, arguing that it undermines the spirit of coalition governance. They believe that the DA should have been allowed to nominate Cachalia, despite the allegations against him, as it would have demonstrated a genuine commitment to power-sharing. Implications for Coalition Building The withdrawal of Cachalia’s nomination raises questions about the viability of coalition-building in South Africa. Some argue that it sets a precedent for parties to veto ministerial appointments based on personal allegations, potentially hindering the formation of stable and effective governments. Others, however, contend that Ramaphosa’s decision shows that he is willing to listen to concerns and make adjustments to ensure accountability and transparency in his cabinet. They believe that this approach could ultimately strengthen the credibility of coalition governance in the long run. Future Implications It remains to be seen how the DA’s reaction to the revised offer will impact future coalition negotiations. The party has previously indicated that it is open to exploring coalition options with other parties, including the African National Congress (ANC). However, the Cachalia debacle may raise questions about the DA’s willingness to compromise and share power. Ultimately, the success of coalition-building in South Africa will depend on the ability of political parties to find common ground and prioritize the interests of the nation over individual or party agendas.ANC-DA Cabinet Negotiations at a CrossroadsANC-DA Cabinet Negotiations at a Crossroads President Cyril Ramaphosa’s plans to announce his cabinet have hit a snag as negotiations with the Democratic Alliance (DA) have reached an impasse. The ANC has reportedly amended its offer of six cabinet seats to the DA, replacing a significant ministry with a smaller portfolio. According to ANC sources, the revised offer includes the removal of a key performing ministry, resulting in a diminished portfolio for the DA. The party sees this move as a last-ditch effort to secure the DA’s participation in government. Negotiations have reportedly come to a head after President Ramaphosa altered the terms of an earlier offer. The ANC’s strategy is to present the revised offer as a take-it-or-leave-it opportunity for the DA. If the DA rejects the offer, President Ramaphosa is expected to announce his cabinet soon without their participation. The ANC’s decision to alter its proposal has been met with criticism from the DA, which had previously expressed optimism about the negotiations. The outcome of these negotiations will have significant implications for the composition of South Africa’s next government. The ANC’s revised offer has the potential to derail the formation of a broader coalition government, which could have brought together a wider range of political views. It remains to be seen whether the ANC and DA can reach an agreement that satisfies both parties. If they fail, President Ramaphosa may be forced to form a cabinet without the support of the official opposition.President Cyril Ramaphosa has made a new cabinet offer to the Democratic Alliance (DA), which does not include the inclusion of a DA minister in the Department of Public Enterprises. This comes after the DA rejected Ramaphosa’s initial offer, which would have seen DA leader John Steenhuisen appointed as Minister of Public Enterprises. In a statement on Friday, the Presidency said that Ramaphosa had “carefully considered” the DA’s concerns and had decided to “amend” his offer. “The President believes that the new offer addresses the concerns raised by the DA and will allow the party to participate fully in the government,” the statement said. The DA said it would consider the new offer over the weekend and make a decision on Monday. “The DA will consider the new offer in the best interests of South Africa and will make a decision on Monday,” the party said in a statement. The inclusion of a DA minister in the Department of Public Enterprises has been a key demand of the party, which has argued that it is necessary to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of state-owned enterprises. The DA has also been critical of the government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and the economy. It remains to be seen whether the DA will accept Ramaphosa’s new offer and join the government. If the DA does not accept the offer, it will be a major setback for Ramaphosa, who has been trying to build a broad-based government that includes all major political parties.