Read more
WATCH: ‘No deal yet!’ − Speaker negotiations still not finalised, says Zille
Zille reportedly said if the proceedings start before having a signature on paper, the DA won’t be voting with the ANC.
DA Federal chair Helen Zille speaking at the 2024 elections results operation centre (roc) at Gallagher Estate in Midrand on Thursday.
Democratic Alliance (DA) federal chair Helen Zille has confirmed that a deal between the party and the African National Congress (ANC) has not been signed yet.
With the first sitting of the National Assembly for the 7th administration taking place on Friday, Zille revealed that negotiations are still underway over the speaker of the National Assembly and deputy speaker positions.
Zille said if the proceedings start before securing a signature on paper, the DA won’t vote with the ANC.
Watch Helen Zille saying there is no deal yet
#eNCA senior reporter @SiphamandlaGoge spoke to the Chairperson of DA Federal Council's Hellen Zille is at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. #NewsLink #DStv403 #QuestionThinkAct pic.twitter.com/JDYD7MYe4e
— eNCA (@eNCA) June 14, 2024
ALSO READ: WATCH: These are ANC’s premier candidates for seven provinces
No deal
“No deal has been made yet,” she told eNCA.
“We are still speaking about the last clauses of an agreement, which we haven’t yet agreed on… We are trying to find a wording that protects our interests. We won’t be taken for a ride.
“This has never been done before. There’s not a country anywhere in the world where people can negotiate such an arrangement within two weeks, in Germany they take months,” Zille said.
Progressive Caucus
Meanwhile, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Al Jama-ah, United Democratic Movement, United Africans Transformation, African Transformation Movement and the Pan Africanist Congress of Azania wrote to ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula, asking for a meeting on Friday morning ahead of the first sitting of the 7th parliament.
This is despite the EFF on Thursday saying the party will not be participating in the ANC’s Government of National Unity (GNU).
The six parties, which call themselves the Progressive Caucus, are disgruntled about having been excluded from discussions about the GNU.
ALSO READ: LIVE UPDATES: ‘No deal yet!’ – Speaker negotiations still not finalised
For more news your way
Download our app and read this and other great stories on the move. Available for Android and iOS.
