South Africa coalition row: ANC’s Ramaphosa hits out at Steenhuisen’s DA

The ANC subsequently also signed a coalition deal with eight smaller parties, with Mr Ramaphosa under pressure to accommodate at least some of them in his cabinet as well.

Mr Ramaphosa penned his furious letter after giving the DA a final offer of six cabinet posts, according to local media reports.

The DA then demanded two further posts, reports the News24 website, which angered the ANC’s top brass.

Mr Ramaphosa’s letter accused the DA leader of “moving the goalposts” during the negotiation process.

Local media also report that Mr Ramaphosa had reneged on his promise to give the DA the Trade and Industry Ministry, a key post to boost South Africa’s struggling economy.

In response to this snub, says News 24, the DA’s leaders told Mr Ramaphosa the “deal is off” unless he sticks to the earlier agreement that the two parties made.

The current row is causing consternation as South Africa enters alien political territory.

The ANC has lost its parliamentary majority for the first time since it took power at the end of the racist system of apartheid in 1994.

It got 40% of the vote, while the DA got 22%.