Staff ReporterActionSA, a South African political party, has launched a widespread inquiry into government appointments, challenging the transparency of the current administration.
The opposition party has initiated a series of parliamentary questions directed at all cabinet ministers and their deputies, seeking detailed information about their support staff appointments.
This action comes in the wake of a contentious appointment within the Agriculture Ministry, where Minister John Steenhuisen named Roman Cabanac, described as a right-wing podcaster, as his chief of staff.
Lerato Ngobeni, ActionSA’s Chief Whip, said: “The circumvention of appointment standards is becoming increasingly prevalent, with ministers requesting deviations to make parochial appointments of apparently unqualified or under-qualified individuals to key positions.”
The party argues that such appointments violate the Public Service Act, which sets clear guidelines for the qualifications and experience required for political appointments in ministerial offices.
Other major political parties, including the ruling African National Congress (ANC) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), have also criticised recent appointments, labelling them as “cadre deployment” – the practice of appointing party loyalists to government positions.
ActionSA is now calling for a comprehensive review of all ministerial support staff appointed since 30 June, when the cabinet was announced. They are seeking information on educational backgrounds, professional experience, and any deviations from standard appointment procedures.
“We will continue to hold every minister to the highest standards to ensure that the interests of South Africans are always placed first,” Ngobeni added.
This move by ActionSA has reignited debates about government accountability and the balance between political loyalty and professional competence in South Africa’s public sector.
As the inquiry unfolds, it is likely to put significant pressure on the current administration to justify its appointment practices and potentially lead to broader discussions about reform in government hiring processes.
