Issued by the ANC D.I.P. Western Cape
Today, an ANC delegation held another round of talks in the Western Cape with NNP-DP-ACDP representatives.
After this round of negotiations, Mr Ebrahim Rasool, ANC Western Cape Chairperson, said:
"It is the impression of the ANC that when we entered the meeting, the NNP-DP-ACDP presented us with a fait accompli, as it seemed that they already had their coalition sown up.
"They were only interested in offering the ANC 1 post, which we had already rejected as deeply insulting. This is clearly a token offer to salve their consciences.
"If we are really considering the Province, the people of the Western Cape, then our discussions must start with principles, not with positions. If we enter negotiations on the basis of the number of positions we can garner, or what the NNP-DP-ACDP are offering us, we are merely engaging in horse-trading.
"One important principle that must be recognised is that the ANC is the party that won the election in the Western Cape, and it was thereby given the mandate for transformation in this province. This has to be respected.
"It should also be remembered that democratic convention dictates that the largest party gets the first opportunity to form a coalition government. This is clearly not the case in the Western Cape.
"By shutting out the ANC, the NNP-DP-ACDP are not merely shutting out the party, but they are shutting out the very people who gave the ANC the vote of confidence in the Western Cape.
Mr Rasool further stated:
"We are asking that the people who voted for the ANC are given the respect they deserve.
Contact Cameron Dugmore on 082-8947553 or pager 4184616 code z7131 for further information.
8 June 1999