ANC cadre deployment sparks outrage in Sekhukhune
SEKHUKHUNE – The African National Congress’ (ANC) recent appointments in Sekhukhune District Municipality (SDM) and Ephraim Mogale Local Municipality (EPMLM) have sparked widespread condemnation, with political parties and community members demanding an investigation into alleged cadre deployment and disregard for proper recruitment processes.
This is after the ANC in Sekhukhune Region announced the appointments on Facebook, citing “comrades” appointed to key positions, allegedly prioritizing political loyalty over merit and competence.
EFF Councillor in SDM, Ali Maloba, condemned the alleged cadre deployments. “These appointments constitute cadre deployment, favoring ANC members over other parties and neutral community members,” he said.
A media statement issued by the ANC Sekhukhune Region, congratulating “comrades” on their appointments, has raised eyebrows. Cllr Maloba, questions the timing of the employer’s statement, issued five hours after the ANC’s media release.
“The approved process for municipal appointments involves several compliance and verification checks, including verification of council-approved posts, background checks, and competency tests. However, allegations suggest these procedures may have been bypassed,” Maloba explained.
He added that Sekhukhune District Municipality’s standard procedure involves 12 compliance and verification checks, including validation of qualifications, employment equity principles, and personnel suitability checks.
“Failure to follow these steps may constitute financial misconduct. This municipality has a history of financial irregularities, including money laundering and fraudulent activities,” said Maloba.
He pleaded that the current executive mayor and municipal manager are urged to intervene and ensure transparency in the appointment process.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Sekhukhune District, has also slammed the ANC for allegedly deploying cadres to key positions in local municipalities, citing it as a major contributor to the collapse of state and municipal capacity in Limpopo.
According to Nico Pienaar, DA Sekhukhune Political Head, the ANC’s recent appointments in SDM and EPMLM raise serious concerns about the integrity of municipal recruitment processes.
“The DA will formally demand access to the full recruitment and interview processes to establish whether due process was followed,” said Pienaar.
The DA argues that cadre deployment is unconstitutional, undermines merit-based appointments, and prioritizes political loyalty over competence and accountability.
“This practice has led to the collapse of municipalities, leaving communities without reliable water, safe roads, or functional infrastructure. The public celebration merely confirms what communities across Limpopo already know, government jobs are being reserved for ANC card-carrying members through blatant cadre deployment,” stated Pienaar.
He said the party will write to the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, requesting urgent intervention to address this issue.
As local government elections approach, the DA urges communities to put an end to cadre deployment, corruption, and service delivery failure.
“The DA stands ready to restore professionalism, transparency, and accountable local government,” Pienaar said.
ANC Spokesperson in Sekhukhune Region, Sam Uwane, could not respond to the publication’s enquiries.
