GNU talks - 'don't panic yet'

In the lead-up to the much-anticipated announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa of the government of national unity (GNU) Cabinet composition preceded by marathon negotiations and an exchange of letters among parties, experts are confident a resolution will be reached on outstanding issues.

- Brian Sokutu

One analyst says a brinkmanship strategy followed by compromises were normal in talks.

Ramaphosa is expected to announce his Cabinet before the official opening of the seventh term of parliament on 18 July, coinciding with International Nelson Mandela Day.

An impasse in ANC-DA negotiations was fuelled by the DA pushing to be offered the powerful department of trade, industry and competition, a strategic part of the economic cluster.

Professor Raymond Parsons of the North-West University's School of Business and Governance said business and markets wanted to see the ANC-DA dispute resolved to ensure certainty.

But protracted negotiations were inevitable.

"The game-changing nature of SA's recent elections need protracted negotiations to get an agreed GNU Cabinet.

"The extra time needed to finalise the Cabinet does require strong nerves and great patience, while business awaits the outcome.

"However, what matters less now is the amount of time being taken to reach finality.

"What the Cabinet will eventually look like, especially the economic cluster, is going to be key.