The Gauteng South African Communist Party (SACP) provincial executive committee (PEC) wants a speedy resolution of the current impasse in finalising the provincial government cabinet.

The PEC noted with concern the ongoing impasse that has delayed the announcement of the cabinet, saying it creates an impression of a province in a state of paralysis and under siege.

The announcement of the Gauteng provincial cabinet was postponed for the second time on Monday night after African National Congress (ANC) provincial leaders were instructed by Luthuli House to postpone it.

This as the ANC and Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng failed to reach an agreement on posts in the formation of the government of provincial unity.

It is believed that the ANC wanted to give the DA three MEC positions but they declined, hoping for four. The DA argued that their seats do not qualify them for fewer positions than this as they are second after the ANC.

“The PEC is further concerned that the impasse and delays tend to elevate public discourse and narratives that overshadow issues affecting the working class, relegating such issues to the periphery in what seems to be a narrow focus on cabinet positions,” the SACP said.

The PEC noted and welcomed the election of Panyaza Lesufi as Gauteng Premier, extending its best wishes as he tackled the myriad challenges facing the province.

The SACP explained that while cabinet positions were critical for leveraging State power to transform and improve the living conditions of the people, it believed it was important to elevate the strategic questions and priorities as stated in the ANC Election Manifesto.

As matters stand, the party’s observation is that these issues affecting the working class have taken a back seat in what may appear as "political machinations and point-scoring, potentially deepening confusion . . . especially within the motive forces of the National Democratic Revolution (NDR)”.

“To this end, the PWC calls for all progressive forces in the province to exercise maximum unity and calm during these complex and trying times. It is precisely under these circumstances that maximum revolutionary unity is absolutely crucial. We firmly believe that anything that borders on confusion and division undermines the strategic task of deepening, advancing, and defending the NDR on the complex terrain of the Government of Provincial Unity,” the SACP said.