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The South African Communist Party (SACP), which has expressed strong opposition to a coalition with the Democratic Alliance (DA), on Tuesday said it is "vindicated" by the DA's "trickery, hypocritical and untenable" demands as parties in the Government of National Unity (GNU) meet to discuss Cabinet positions.

In a detailed letter to African National Congress (ANC) secretary-general Fikile Mbalula, DA federal chairperson Helen Zille said it was "only fair and reasonable" for the DA to be represented across all Cabinet clusters, including the ministries of Mineral Resources and Energy, Transport, and Trade, Industry and Competition.

The DA asked for the ministerial portfolios of Public Works, Higher Education, and Public Service and Administration, with an eye on Home Affairs, Justice, and International Relations and Communication.

The SACP highlights that while the ANC did not receive an outright majority to form a government, it is important for everyone to recognise that it still is the largest electoral party according to voter support.

"The SACP Political Bureau denounced attempts by the DA, a party with a little over half of the ANC's votes, at elevating itself to or usurping the role of the party with the largest votes. Any success from the trickery, brinkmanship and untenable demands by the DA will be tantamount to undermining the will of the people and stability in our economy and country," it said.

The SACP described the DA as a neo-liberal party, whose leadership composition reminds South Africans of the "persisting legacy of racism".

The SACP is accusing the DA of positioning itself against the GNU, claiming that this is obvious from its "manoeuvres to secure a hostile takeover" through a grand coalition with the ANC, also involving the Inkatha Freedom Party, in which, the SACP says, the DA will wield veto power under the guise of "sufficient consensus."

Meanwhile, the SACP's bimonthly meeting held on Monday, concluded that President Cyril Ramaphosa needs to move swiftly to appoint the Deputy President, Ministers and Deputy Ministers, emphasising the importance of meaningful consultation and maintaining national stability.

"This requires decisiveness against any section that has resorted to trickery, brinkmanship and untenable demands to steal power and thus undermine the will of the people," it added.

The SACP said the DA's "trickery, brinkmanship and untenable" demands tended towards the division of the Cabinet, which it said would be akin to a federation of "unaccountable" Ministers if one part of the Cabinet operated separately and was accountable to the DA as its "Ministers", rather than adhering to the unified whole Cabinet outlined in the Constitution.

"The DA's demands fly in the face of the constitution and labour law. A party that has claimed to support the separation of party and state is now vehemently demanding the exact opposite. It has pretended to have a problem with 'cadre deployment and anti-constitutionalism, but it is now demanding that the President must accept new practices which would amount to an exclusive DA cadre deployment," the SACP said.

Members of South Africa's uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party were sworn in as lawmakers in parliament on Tuesday after boycotting the first sitting of the National Assembly nearly two weeks ago.

MK lawmakers had stayed away on June 14 after filing a complaint at the country's top court alleging vote-rigging in the May 29 election, which the court dismissed as without merit.

MK, the party of former South African president Jacob Zuma, came a surprisingly strong third in the election in which the African National Congress (ANC) lost its parliamentary majority. MK has declined to join a government of national unity.

All of its 58 lawmakers, including Zuma's daughter Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, took the oath, allowing parliament's lower house to start its business.

Among them were former finance minister Des van Rooyen, appointed out of the blue by Zuma in 2015 and then dismissed after four days in favour of Pravin Gordhan when the rand currency collapsed.

Another prominent MK member - former Western Cape judge president John Hlophe, impeached by the previous parliament for misconduct, including for using his position to try to influence judges in a Zuma corruption case, was also sworn in.

MK is part of a broader coalition of smaller opposition parties that has lost traction as many gravitate towards the ANC and Democratic Alliance-led coalition government which has the collaboration of 10 parties so far.

The 58 uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party members will on Tuesday be sworn into Parliament, after they boycotted the first sitting of the National Assembly, on June 14.

The party filed a complaint at the country's top court alleging vote-rigging, which the court dismissed as without merit.

Parliament explained that all required travel and accommodation logistics are being arranged in preparation for the swearing-in ceremony.

"This swearing-in of original nominees from the MK Party list will be presided over by the Chief Justice, or a judge designated by him, as this is the inaugural swearing-in of these Members following the National and Provincial Elections," it said.

The Speaker will administer the oath to Members who were nominated after the first sitting.

Parliament explained that in accordance with the provisions of the Act, political parties may supplement or fill any vacancies that may occur on their candidates' lists prior to the first swearing-in after elections.

"This ensures that all designated seats are filled and that parties are fully represented. Parliament has received an indication from the MK Party regarding the supplementation of their candidates list with a total of 21 Members," it added.

Last week the party confirmed that impeached, former judge John Hlophe will become the parliamentary leader of the MK Party.

Hlophe was not on the party's list of candidates for the May elections, where it won 14.58% of votes.

President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Monday as political parties finalise the modalities of the Government of National Unity (GNU), guided by the Statement of Intent, the days and weeks that lie ahead will be crucial.

After losing its outright majority in the 2024 national and provincial elections, the African National Congress (ANC) was forced to form a coalition government with the help of other opposition parties.

As of Sunday, the GNU consists of ten parties: the ANC, the Democratic Alliance, Inkatha Freedom Party, the GOOD party, the Patriotic Alliance, the Pan Africanist Congress of Azania, the Freedom Front Plus, the United Democratic Movement, Rise Mzansi and Al Jama-ah.

Ramaphosa wrote in his weekly letter to the nation that the formation of the GNU is a momentous development in South Africa's democracy, saying every effort must be made to ensure that it remains true to its founding spirit of collaboration in good faith to drive a programme that improves the lives of South Africans.

He noted that the success of the GNU will be measured by the extent to which parties are prepared to focus how they will govern together, rather than on who governs.

There are reports of tensions in the GNU as Cabinet positions are considered.

Ramaphosa noted that the country's hopes are pinned on the success of the GNU.

"Our stated commitment to work together constructively and for South Africa's benefit has generated a great deal of goodwill that we should not squander. South Africans are watching. We should not waste our energies on those who stand in the way of our country's progress or lose momentum over differences that can be resolved," he said.

He said parties in the GNU need to demonstrate in word and deed that their programme is "clear, coherent and sustainable", that their collaboration is genuine, and that the interests of the people will always come first.

He explained that the GNU Statement of Intent provides a solid base for genuine cooperation between parties across the political spectrum, all of which, he noted, have signed up of their own accord.

"The Statement of Intent commits the signatories to a set of foundational principles that include respect for constitutionalism; accountability, transparency and community participation in government; evidence-based policy and decision-making; professionalisation of the public service; integrity and good governance," Ramaphosa highlighted.

He said parties to the GNU have agreed on priorities for the incoming administration, noting that at the top of the list of priorities is the achievement of rapid, inclusive and sustainable economic growth to create jobs.

"It will be critical that the GNU stays the course on the structural reform that is underway to improve the business operating environment and establish South Africa as an investment destination of choice. These reforms are necessary to resolve longstanding challenges in key industries and create more jobs and opportunities. We will need to build on the progress that has already been made, while accelerating the pace of reform," he added.

He said the fact that there is broad consensus among the parties on the priorities of the incoming administration gives encouragement that the GNU will indeed take the country forward.

The African National Congress (ANC) is criticising Government of National Unity (GNU) parties that are using the media to make "outlandish and outrageous demands" for Cabinet positions.

This as reports of discord in the GNU make the rounds, with the Democratic Alliance (DA) making demands for specific positions, stalling GNU talks.

As of Sunday, the GNU consists of ten parties: the ANC, the DA, Inkatha Freedom Party, the GOOD party, the Patriotic Alliance, the Pan Africanist Congress of Azania, the Freedom Front Plus, the United Democratic Movement, Rise Mzansi and Al Jama-ah.

The ANC was firm that only the President has a final say on Cabinet appointments, and said it was against any unnecessary delays to the process once the Cabinet is formed - Phase 2 of the establishment of the GNU.

"Negotiating through leaking demands to the media is an act of bad faith and this practice will not help the cause of any party. 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 people need a government to be established sooner, rather than later," said the party on Monday.

The ANC noted that during the first phase of the GNU, parties had worked well to elect the President and Parliamentary heads.

It said the next phase would be based on an inclusive approach, and that GNU parties were to be considered for Legislature and Cabinet positions.

The ANC said President Cyril Ramaphosa was in consultation with other GNU party leaders and that he would announce his Cabinet "in the coming days".

"Once Cabinet is formed, Parliament will then start its work to establish its structures, including portfolio committees and other structures of responsibility as prescribed by the Constitution. It is the ANC's wish to see that these processes are not unnecessarily delayed, so that the seventh administration can get on with the urgent tasks of attending to the people's priorities - tackling unemployment, growing an inclusive economy, industrialization, investing in people, improving and expanding quality basic services, tackling crime and corruption, and advancing nation-building and social cohesion, which are the issues that South Africans voted for. Similarly, the all-inclusive National Dialogue remains an urgent priority, to get all sectors of society, and indeed our nation, involved in solutions to these most urgent challenges we face," the party said.

The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) stressed on Friday an urgent need to iron out the differences between the African National Congress (ANC) and the Democratic Alliance (DA) through a joint meeting by the members of the Government of National Unity (GNU).

The party noted the ongoing public disagreements between ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula and DA federal chair Helen Zille, as it pertains to clause 24 of the GNU statement of intent, which relates to adding new members to the GNU.

The DA enquired with the ANC about the addition of the Patriotic Alliance (PA) to the GNU, without consultation.

Hlengwa said his party did not believe that the current situation was a crisis.

"To that end, the IFP president Velenkosini Hlabisa has tasked the IFP's coalition negotiations task team, led by its deputy president Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi to engage with both parties," said IFP MP Mkhuleko Hlengwa.

Earlier this week the ANC announced the GNU consisted of seven parties including the DA, IFP, the GOOD party, the PA, the Pan Africanist Congress of Azania and the Freedom Front Plus.

"It is necessary teething problems for a new GNU dispensation. Evidently, more difficult issues and questions will arise in the next five years. But the solution will be how the GNU partners rise to meet these challenges, and iron them out amicably," Hlengwa stated.

He noted that the GNU was a coalition government, highlighting that one of the elements for a successful coalition government was that whenever there were differences of opinion, there must be joint engagement by GNU partners to find common ground, and to speak with one voice.

He said constant engagement would remain the only way to strengthen the foundations for current and future coalition government arrangements.

The IFP highlighted that as a "responsible GNU Partner", it was committed to playing an active role to ensure that members always reached common ground, to take the country forward.

Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to meet with Hlabisa and DA leader John Steenhuisen on Friday.

Former Western Cape Judge President John Hlophe will represent the uMkhonto WeSizwe (MK) Party in Parliament as its leader, and not as Chief Whip, as previously stated by the party.

Hlophe was removed from the bench by a National Assembly vote, in March, having been accused of trying to influence the Constitutional Court in a matter related to former President Jacob Zuma.

Hlophe had been found guilty of gross misconduct by the Judicial Service Commission, after which the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services recommended his dismissal.

The MK Party said it was "honoured" and "proud" to have Hlophe as its new leader in Parliament, noting his "distinguished" career and "unwavering Pan-African outlook" which had "established him as a formidable force against systemic racism, particularly in the Western Cape".

"His reputation as an impeccable jurist and seasoned activist, who believes in an African based judicial system, makes him an ideal leader for the MK Party and South Africa at this crucial time. Despite enduring 15 years of harassment and facing unlawful removal by the DA/ANC coalition, Judge Hlophe has remained steadfast in his fight for justice for the disenfranchised. We are humbled by his legal expertise, which will prove invaluable as we navigate any legal challenges the DA/ANC coalition may attempt to orchestrate," the party said.

It added that it aims to bring together "progressive activists" in the party to "defeat" the DA/ANC coalition.

Ahead of President Cyril Ramaphosa's much anticipated new Cabinet appointments, the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa) is urging him not to reappoint Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy Gwede Mantashe, Higher Education Minister Dr Blade Nzimande and Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga.

Outa also suggests that Ramaphosa consider reducing the size of the new Cabinet.

Outa CEO Wayne Duvenage cited systemic inefficiencies, mismanagement, irregularities in procurement processes and corruption, which he said had been observed in all three departments.

"Reappointing these Ministers would perpetuate poor performance, with more negative consequences for the country, further impacting service delivery to the people," he said.

Duvenage said that it believed meaningful change for the better would come if Ramaphosa appointed "the right people" to Cabinet, noting that under Mantashe, the mining cadastre system had collapsed, impacting negatively on transparency and investment in South Africa's mining sector.

"In addition, the lack of transparency when it comes to diesel procurement for Eskom's peak power usage and other dubious activities on his watch, coupled with his alleged involvement in State capture transactions as reported by Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, make Mantashe unfit for any Cabinet role," he said.

In discussing Nzimande's alleged shortcomings, Duvenage pointed to procurement irregularities in the sectoral education and training authorities, universities, technical and vocational education and training colleges, and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme.

Meanwhile, he highlighted that Chikunga's short tenure as the Minister of Transport and her previous role as deputy minister has been disappointing, pointing to challenges with road safety, corruption in driver's licence testing and inefficiencies in the Natis vehicle registry system.

He mentioned the recent reversal of the decision to extend the validity period of the driver's licence from five to eight years, "with no meaningful explanation".

Further, he stated a lack of transparency by the Road Traffic Management Corporation in fee increases for relicensing and registration of vehicles, as well as a lack of transparency and maladministration by the Road Traffic Infringement Agency.

"Outa has engaged with several whistleblowers over the years from departments within these ministries, and our investigation and research shows ineptitude and a lack of will to address the many gross inefficiencies and system challenges in these departments. These problems have been a burden to our country and its citizens, and increased the cost of living and doing business in South Africa," Duvenage said.

Outa also singled out Police Minister Bheki Cele's performance in the Police Ministry and Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga's tenures, which it says have been grossly inadequate.

"New and strong leadership is critical in addressing the decline in education standards and improving policing effectiveness in fighting growing levels of serious crime," said Duvenage.

Meanwhile, he praised Minister of Water and Sanitation Senzo Mchunu's leadership, noting that he "is doing a great job in undoing the damage caused by his predecessors", Nomvula Mokonyane and Lindiwe Sisulu.

"We commend Minister Mchunu for his efforts, proactive approach and leadership. He has made significant strides in managing water resources and replacing him would definitely be a setback for the department," he said.

Duvenage said Ramaphosa had an opportunity to make "bold" changes, which he said were needed to improve the state of the country.

"Our commitment as a civil action organisation is to improve governance for the benefit of all South Africans. We will remain vigilant and ensure that those in leadership are held to the highest standards of accountability and transparency," he said.

Democratic Alliance (DA) MP Renaldo Gouws has been immediately suspended from all party activities and will face disciplinary charges for an inflammatory video which shows him using racist and violent language.

Gouws is shown as using the "K" and "N" words and used violent language such as "kill".

On Wednesday, the DA said it would authenticate the video, which was deleted and archived in 2012. Gouws denied making the remarks on the video and said it was fake.

"The DA has established that the video, in which Renaldo Gouws uses execrable language, is in fact genuine and not a fake as initially suspected," the party said.

His case has been referred to the party's Federal Legal Commission, where he will be able to state his defence, according to DA Federal Council chairperson Helen Zille.

This is not the first such incident involving Gouws. Another video of him making offensive remarks in 2009 also made the rounds across social media earlier this week.

Calls for his removal as an MP prompted his apology for the 2009 video.

"I refute any claims of racism or being a racist. I can, however, see how my message was distorted in the way it was delivered by me and I take full responsibility for the actions of my younger and immature self. For that, I apologise unreservedly," he said of the 2009 video.

Zille said the party would await the outcome of his disciplinary hearing.

Following by-elections held in the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, the Democratic Alliance (DA) won three wards from the Patriotic Alliance and the African National Congress (ANC) in Beaufort West and Murraysburg, and also clinched ward 5 from the ANC in Newcastle.

Western Cape DA provincial leader Tertuis Simmers noted that this marked the first time that the Beaufort West municipality would be governed outright by the DA.

"This victory ushers in a turning point for the municipality, which has for years been wrought with corruption, mismanagement and poor service delivery. The DA has a proven track record of good, clean governance and we are committed to fix what has been broken and rescue Beaufort West," said Simmers.

The DA also announced that it had retained Wards 64, 105 and 113 in the City of Cape Town, with a significant increase in support.

"Under the DA, the City of Cape Town is the best-run metro in the country, and the results today reflect the trust voters have in the party. Support for the DA in the metro grew at the National and Provincial Elections on 29 May 2024, and today's results confirm that Capetonians chose the DA to continue to deliver to residents," Simmers said.

The party congratulated newly elected councillors October Haarvoor, Gina Duimpies, Elvico Links, Izabel Sherry, Francois Berry and Sue Van Der Linde.

The election of a new DA mayor will take place in due course.

Meanwhile, DA KwaZulu-Natal provincial leader Francois Rodgers highlighted that the party would use the outcome of the by-election in KwaZulu-Natal to better serve the voters of Ward 5 and "by doing so continue in building our legacy of being a party that puts the needs of the people first."

He noted that the DA viewed the victory as a further confirmation that the DA continued to be an attractive party for people for its good governance and service delivery.

"The result is also encouraging as the DA plans ahead towards the upcoming Local Government Elections in 2026. This is because the DA recognises that it is only through its governance track record that local residents can experience the best of what the DA has to offer in the sphere of local governance," he said.