Following a recent court ruling, the African National Congress (ANC) has reaffirmed its commitment to cadre deployment, asserting that the policy remains a cornerstone of its governance strategy.
The Pretoria High Court’s dismissal of the Democratic Alliance (DA)’s attempt to challenge the constitutionality of cadre deployment has been met with approval from the ANC. In a 40-page judgment, the court reasoned that the DA’s application lacked substantive evidence and was largely based on speculation.
Reacting to the ruling, DA leader John Steenhuisen expressed dissatisfaction, suggesting that the judgment was flawed. He cited instances of state-owned entities’ failures, attributing them to cadre deployment practices within the ANC.
However, the ANC welcomed the court’s decision, viewing it as validation of their deployment policy’s merit-based approach. ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu emphasized that cadre deployment is a fundamental aspect of democratic governance and should not be undermined.
The judgment also cautioned against politicizing anti-corruption efforts, urging parties to refrain from exploiting such initiatives for their political gain. As the debate surrounding cadre deployment continues, the ANC remains steadfast in its commitment to the policy, asserting its relevance in selecting competent individuals for governmental roles.