The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng said it was impossible for it to be co-opted into government by the African National Congress (ANC), noting that the coalition parties are meant to be power sharing partners.

The DA explained that after robust negotiations with the ANC, they had decided to decline to take up seats on the ANC’s terms. The ANC wanted to give the DA three MEC positions but they declined, hoping for four.

“After robust engagements, and negotiations stretching over weeks, we have declined to take up seats on the African National Congress’ terms, and will not form part of the Executive of the Gauteng Government of Provincial Unity (GPU)” said leader of the DA in Gauteng Solly Msimanga.

He said that his party was unable to accept a counter to its offer, saying it was one the party found to be “unfair and unreasonable.”

Msimanga stated that negotiations were meant to be principle-based, as per the Statement of Intent that the ANC and the DA signed on a national level.

He said the ANC’s Gauteng leadership, and negotiations team, did not view this critically important document in the same light, stating that if both parties were negotiating in good faith, the situation might have been different.

“That was not the case, and the DA cannot be a part of a government that does not value fairness, proportionality, and principles in the same way we do,” he said.

On Wednesday, ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula said the ANC’s stance was to separate national negotiations and agreements from provincial ones.

Meanwhile, despite the DA withdrawing from negotiations, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi announced his cabinet, comprising seven members of the ANC and one each from the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), Patriotic Alliance (PA) and RISE Mzansi.

Bonginkosi Dlamini is appointed to eGovernment; Lebogang Maile will head the Treasury and Department of Economic Development; Matome Chiloane will head the Education and Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation; Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko is appointed to Health; Kedibone Diale-Tlabela to Roads and Transport; Faith Mazibuko to Social Development; Tasneem Motara to Human Settlements; Vuyiswa Ramokgopa to Agriculture and Rural Development; Jacob Mamabolo to Cooperative Governance and Sheila Mary Peters will head the Department of Environment.

Seven ANC MECs are from the previous sixth administration.

The ANC said it was delighted that all impasses hindering the cabinet announcement were resolved though the collective wisdom of national and provincial structures.

The ANC noted that Lesego Makhubela will continue to lead the ANC Gauteng Caucus as the Chief Whip to ensure that all the oversight mechanism and governance are fully functional.