EFF CONDEMNS MINISTER STEENHUISEN'S RACIST CHIEF OF STAFF, ROMAN CABANAC
Tuesday, 19 November 2024.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) expresses its outrage at the continued employment of Roman Cabanac as Chief of Staff in the office of the Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen. Cabanac, a man known for his vile, racist commentary and divisive rhetoric, represents everything antithetical to building a stable, and expert-led government. It is an insult to the taxpayers of South Africa that their hard-earned money funds Cabanac's annual remuneration of over R1.4 million.
Months after claiming to have asked Cabanac to step down due to his controversies, Steenhuisen has shamelessly retained him, exposing the Minister's duplicity. Steenhuisen's commitment to surrounding himself with unqualified and inflammatory individuals highlights the DA's history of prioritising racism and cronyism over competence and stability. It is evident that Steenhuisen's statements that he had let Cabanac go were nothing more than hollow attempts to pacify public criticism.
The EFF has long cautioned against Steenhuisen, a man who lacks both a matric certificate and the vision to lead. His decision to prop up a racist and unqualified podcaster in a senior role highlights his disdain for genuine transformation and his commitment to a white supremacist agenda. South Africa needs visionary leadership grounded in expertise, not political opportunism that rewards prejudice and mediocrity.
We demand the immediate dismissal of Roman Cabanac and a public explanation from Steenhuisen for his deceit and failure to act. In a sector plagued by entrenched racial inequality, it is unacceptable for it to be dominated by racists who refuse to embrace inclusivity or promote the participation of Africans. Agriculture remains the least transformed sector in South Africa, symbolising the persistent grip of apartheid-era injustices. Our people deserve transformative leadership, not the perpetuation of exclusion and bigotry.
Statement issued by the EFF, 19 November 2024
