The EFF has condemned DA leader John Steenhuisen for allegedly appointing unqualified staff during his tenure as Minister of Agriculture, raising concerns over cadre deployment and governance.
Media reports discovered two months ago that Steenhuisen intended to hire four unqualified staff members to his office, where three of these people have matric certificates.
Media reports said Steenhuisen wrote to the Minister of Public Services and Administration to deviate from the minimum appointment requirements to appoint staff members.
The EFF deemed Steenhuisen a “white supremacist” who insulted qualified South Africans by nominating Annette Steyn, Una Christian, and Charity McCord as potential staff members.
“He, Steenhuisen, continues to cling to his cadre deployments — appointments of his unqualified cronies and white supremacists. His nominations are an insult to the hardworking and qualified South Africans who are overlooked in favour of Steenhuisen’s politically connected friends,” said the EFF.
The Red Berets criticised Steenhuisen for his hypocrisy against cadre deployment, whilst he allegedly practised it behind closed doors.
“Steenhuisen’s actions demonstrate a complete disregard for governance and a prioritisation of personal loyalty over merit. His insistence on appointing these people is the very reason for the delay in finalising appointments and, consequently, the delay in workers’ salaries, and the work of the department and government at large,” said the EFF.
The Red Berets accused Steenhuisen of fostering racism following his appointment of controversial podcaster, Roman Cabanac, who is under fire for alleged racism.
They believe Steenhuisen was aware of Cabanac’s racist background as the podcaster refuses to step down as chief of staff, shortly after the DA ordered he resigned.
“This demonstrates not only Steenhuisen’s poor judgement but also his complicity in fostering white supremacists and racist individuals in government, and his complete lack of commitment to his job and responsibilities.
“We will continue to expose and fight against the corrupt practices of Steenhuisen and all those who seek to undermine the functioning of government for their personal gain. We demand that he be held accountable for incompetence, his racist appointments, and failure of leadership in the Department of Agriculture,” said the EFF.
The Star