Phuti Mosomane
Cosatu Gauteng Chairperson Amos Monyela says the federation is disturbed by the government vacuum in the province created by the continuous postponement of the announcement of MECs, due to the protracted and destructive negotiations to form the Government of Provincial Unity (GPN).
Monyela said Cosatu is particularly irritated by the arrogance and “big brother syndrome demonstrated by the Democratic Alliance (DA).”
“The attitude of the DA confirms the position held by COSATU in Gauteng that it would be suicidal for the African National Congress (ANC) to form government with the enemy of the National Democratic Revolution (NDR).
“Whilst we appreciate the spirit behind the GPN, we are weary of the difficulties it might pose to the working-class given the presence of the DA. Importantly, we no longer have patience for the status quo that has left the workers and people of Gauteng with more questions than answers,” he said.
Cosatu in Gauteng supports the ANC in the province for refusing to be bullied by the DA, he said adding that while these bullying tactics were demonstrated while the party was negotiating at the national level, they must not be allowed in Gauteng.
“We uphold the ANC Gauteng’s stance to firmly defend the NDR and refuse to go to bed with our class enemy on their own terms. The ANC’s position aligns with our view that the liberation movement should not abandon its revolutionary principles simply because the ANC-led Alliance cannot form a government on its own,” he said.
Monyela called on Premier Panyaza Lesufi to announce his Cabinet as a matter of urgency so that service delivery can start in earnest.
The ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula is expected to brief the media on the latest developments towards the Gauteng government.
Cosatu comments also come after the Chairperson of the DA Federal Council Helen Zille, and DA Gauteng Provincial Leader Solly Msimanga ahd briefed the media and set out the DA’s approach to constituting a GPU in Gauteng, where they said the party deserved more seats than the three Cabinet seats they were offered by the ANC.
“Till now, the ANC has been prepared to offer the DA a maximum of 3 out of 10 Cabinet seats, without telling us how many seats they intend to take for themselves, and how many they propose to offer to other parties.”
“This approach was not conducive to building an atmosphere of trust. We wanted clarity on these issues,” said Msimanga on Tuesday evening.
Zille said the ANC conceded that they had intended to allocate 3 seats to the DA, and 7 to themselves, out of a cabinet of 11 (including the ANC Premier).
“This division falls far short of the requirements set out in Clause 16 of the Declaration of Intent, given that the DA comprises 45% and the ANC 55% of the GPU,” she said.
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