The ANC suffered another legal blow on Monday when the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) ruled against the party’s bid to keep its cadre deployment records confidential.
The saga began when the ANC faced mounting pressure to disclose its cadre deployment records following a high court ruling that declared its refusal as “unlawful and invalid”.
The high court in Johannesburg previously denied the party’s request to appeal the ruling, prompting the party to seek direct appeal to the SCA.
The records in question include a wide range of documents such as minutes from the cadre deployment committee, WhatsApp conversations, e-mails, and CVs.
During the duel, the DA argued that these records were essential for shedding light on how the ANC’s policies and practices influenced key appointments within state institutions.
DA MP Leon Schreiber, who spearheaded the matter, initiated the legal proceedings after his Promotion of Access to Information Act application for the cadre deployment records was denied in 2021.
Schreiber argued that the governing party’s cadre deployment policy played a significant role in fostering corruption and state capture, making transparency in this matter of paramount importance to the public.
Responding to the SCA’s judgment, Schreiber emphasized its significance, stating: “Today’s ruling means that the ANC has five working days to hand over all of the records requested by the DA including meeting minutes, CVs, e-mail correspondence, and WhatsApp conversations of the cadre deployment committee dating back to 1 January 2013 when President Cyril Ramaphosa became cadre deployment chairman in Jacob Zuma’s administration.”
Furthermore, Schreiber revealed that the DA is awaiting another ruling from the Pretoria High Court in a separate application.
In that case, the DA has asked the court to declare ANC cadre deployment unconstitutional and unlawful.
The combined effect of the two court cases could have far-reaching implications for the ANC, potentially dismantling the secrecy surrounding cadre deployment and challenging the ruling party’s foundations.
The DA’s efforts are seen as part of a broader strategy to address cadre deployment ahead of the 2024 national election.
The party aims to take concrete steps towards reforming and revitalizing the South African state, signalling a pivotal moment in the nation’s political landscape.
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