South Africa: DA making unreasonable, outrageous demands in GNU talks — ANC complains

The African National Congress (ANC) has accused the Democratic Alliance (DA) of making "outlandish and outrageous" portfolio demands as talks continue over the formation of a Government of National Unity.

In a statement dated June 24, the ANC said it "notes with concern that some parties have been making outlandish and outrageous demands for specific Cabinet positions in the media."

It said "negotiating through leaking demands to the media is an act of bad faith and this practice will not help the cause of any party."

This was an apparent reference to a letter from DA Chairperson Helen Zille outlining the party's demands for ministerial positions in a new GNU cabinet.

The DA said it wanted control over portfolios including Mineral Resources and Energy, Transport, Trade Industry and Competition, and Public Works and Infrastructure.

It also called for Democratic Alliance ministers to have say over the appointment of directors-general in ports and the reviewing of recent tenders issued by outgoing ANC ministers.

However, the ANC statement hit back, saying "it is only the President who has the final say on the appointment of his Cabinet. The GNU cannot be held to ransom by any single party."

The public spat comes as coalition negotiations continue following last month's election, where no party won an outright majority.

The ANC is seeking a broad unity government but tensions are emerging with some of its new partner's apparently ambitious demands.