'DA must lower its sights '

Talks heading for deadlock after the opposition’s dramaqueen behaviour’.

- Eric Naki

The stand-off between the ANC and the Democratic Alliance (DA) over the opposition party's demand for the crucial position of deputy president and to be in control of the vital economic clusters could get nasty as the ANC's patience wears thin.

According to ANC insiders, the ruling party is close to giving the DA an ultimatum to accept its offer of particular Cabinet portfolios or leave the government of national unity (GNU).

Talks between the two were headed for a deadlock after the DA upped the ante and demanded the deputy president position and some of the key economic cluster departments.

The impasse was likely to delay the announcement of the GNU Cabinet.

ANC sources say "the party would rather part ways with the DA than surrender to its demand" for deputy president Paul Mashatile to be fired, because demanding a position already occupied by a top ANC leader was tantamount to requesting his dismissal.

The sources, who asked to remain anonymous because the talks were high level and secret, said they were not surprised by the DA's shifting of goal posts at the bargaining table.