Commenting on the intention of the NP and other parties to make an announcement at 8pm tonight on the formation of a coalition government in the Western Cape, Mr Rasool said:
"It is a great pity that the NP is part of a defective process in putting together a coalition for the Western Cape. Parliamentary convention, which is internationally recognised is that the biggest party after an election where no party achieves more than 50%, initiates negotiations on coalition. Should this fail then the convention is that the second largest party is called upon to put together a coalition. Mr Morkel had not returned one of my 6 call since Thursday until 16h15 this afternoon when I was in Johannesburg.
"His request for a meeting with the ANC at 19h00 this evening after having at 16h00 this afternoon, issued a press alert for an NP press briefing at 20h00, is contemptible.
"His offer of one MEC, the Deputy Speaker and the chair of the public accounts committee is deeply insulting to the ANC and the majority of people of the province."
"The ANC has emerged victorious in the Western Cape with 42% of the vote. This support came from all corners of the province - African, Coloured and White, rural and metro. There are many compelling reasons as to why we should play a leading role in an all- inclusive provincial government.
"It is clear that Mr Morkel, in a desperate attempt to hang onto the leadership of a deeply divided party, has failed to act in the interests of the province. He has acted selfishly and in a very short sighted manner.
"The ANC, as per the statement of our national working committee, calls for the start of bona fide discussions, in the best interest of our province, to come to an agreement which reflects a much broader consensus. We should use the space between now and the 15th June, when the legislature convenes, to conduct such discussions."
"I will be going directly to the Grand Parade on my arrival in Cape Town shortly after 21h00, to join in the celebration of our tremendous victory Nationally and in the Western Cape and to update our members as to the coalition discussions" added Mr Rasool.
Issued by ANC DIP Western Cape
Contact Cameron Dugmore on 082-894-7553
7 June 1999