EFF: GNU is a smokescreen!

VARIOUS political parties have reacted to President Cyril Ramaphosa's Cabinet announcement on Sunday, 30 June.

The EFF said the announcement confirmed their longstanding view that the Government of National Unity (GNU) was nothing but a smokescreen for the ANC to secure a predetermined grand coalition with the DA.

The party said it's worrying that Cabinet was increased and bloated.

According to the EFF, the announcement by Ramaphosa confirmed that the ANC has abandoned its historical role as a liberation movement in Africa and has solidified its role as an instrument of white supremacy and domestic and global capital on the continent.

"By gifting the DA six ministerial posts and six deputy ministerial roles, on top of the position of deputy speaker of Parliament, the ANC has surpassed the compromises they made in 1994. These positions mean the DA is poised to implement regressive and neo-liberal policies that will entrench market-fundamentalism and profit maximisation by the corporate and financial sector at the expense of a poor black majority," they said.

They added that it's inexcusable to give the DA control and influence in sectors such as agriculture, trade, finance, education, energy and infrastructural development.

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Meanwhile, Rise Mzansi has welcomed the announcement of the new Cabinet, but are unhappy that the body has been enlarged.

"We're disappointed that the body has been enlarged, with some ministries being served by two deputy ministers. While Rise Mzansi forms part of the GNU, we never made demands for executive positions nor were we offered positions in the executive," said Rise Mzansi leader, Songezo Zibi.

He added that the party believes the GNU presents a unique opportunity for collaboration and to influence the implementation of the issues found in the Rise Mzansi People's Manifesto.

The UDM said it's placing its hopes in the GNU to bring about significant change in people's lives.

"We commend the inclusion of young people and women in Cabinet, creating a balanced team. It's our sincere hope that these young ministers won't only be tokens but will have a substantial voice in shaping the direction of our country," the UDM said.