Veteran journalist Mandy Wiener's new book, The Deal: Inside the Talks that Shaped South Africa’s Future, uncovers the intense negotiations that formed the Government of National Unity in 2024. Drawing on insider accounts, it highlights the rapid deal-making amid political uncertainty. The GNU emerged during a brief pause in the swearing-in ceremony, as described by key figures.
Published by Pan Macmillan South Africa, Wiener's book chronicles the formation of South Africa's second multiparty government in just 14 days of initial shaping in 2024, followed by 29 days of negotiations among rival parties. The Government of National Unity (GNU) was delivered 'with forceps,' according to Helen Zille, during a 15-minute 'comfort break' demanded by EFF's Floyd Shivambu amid the swearing-in process. Shivambu is portrayed as the 'obstetrician/birth doula' who aided its birth.
Wiener captures the 'spirit of ’94' from Nelson Mandela's era, emphasizing tough negotiations balanced with foresight and truth-speaking. Key DA figures like Tony Leon, Helen Zille, John Steenhuisen, and strategist Ryan Coetzee, recalled from Dubai, clashed and collaborated with ANC leaders including Fikile Mbalula, Phebe Potgieter-Gqubule, and Nkenke Kekana. Kekana described Zille as running the DA 'like the general secretary of the Communist Party,' contrasting the ANC's 'consensus-based' approach.
Negotiations unfolded in boardrooms, hotels in Johannesburg and Cape Town, and at venues like the Inanda Club in Sandton, with hospitality from businessman Adrian Enthoven. The book details a shouting match in Cape Town between Leon and Zille over document signing, and the Freedom Front Plus's dilemma in joining, including an ANC request to use Orania's expertise for regional development via two contracts—one affirming Orania's independence.
The concept of 'sufficient consensus,' originating from pre-1994 Codesa talks, resurfaced as a point of contention. Wiener quotes Cyril Ramaphosa from Patti Waldmeir's 1997 book: 'It means that, if we win and the National Party agree, everyone else can get stuffed…' The DA calculated it required over 60% of National Assembly seats, aligning ANC and DA. Patriotic Alliance leader Gayton McKenzie praised Ramaphosa: 'Underestimate him at your peril. He is unapologetically a consensus man,' adding that retaining power post-election loss showed extraordinary leadership.
The fast-paced narrative positions the book alongside classics by chroniclers like Alistair Sparks and Antjie Krog, offering an insider view of South Africa's political trajectory.