Minister Fritz condemns decision to re-advertise Provincial Commissioner Post
28 October 2019
The Minister of Community Safety, Albert Fritz, condemns the re-advertising of Western Cape Provincial Commissioner post, announced by SAPS today, as it points to top-level ANC interference within SAPS and government recruitment processes. This follows a series of complaints from ANC Secretary General, Faiez Jacobs, and Jeremy Vearey.
In a letter from the office of the National Commissioner, it was stated that there was a decision not to fill the post of the Provincial Commissioner in the Western Cape, but rather to re-advertise the position. It was further stated that “the post will be re-advertised internally within SAPS” and that there will be further correspondence on the “constitution of a selection panel to consider the applications for the post”.
Minister Fritz said, “It is alarming that a process, which was followed in line with the Constitution and related legislation, is now being re-started due to a politically-aligned candidate not being shortlisted. Not only is this a mass violation of the trust in the panel but it is also a breach of the rule of law. I will urgently be seeking advice on the legality of restarting this process which was done “to mitigate the risk for [SAPS], should a dispute emanate from filling the post.”
“I have previously called for the process of selecting a new Provincial Commissioner to be devoid of ANC factional and political considerations. This is critical given the history of SAPS in this Province being destroyed and rendered institutionally moribund because of politicking. I shall do everything in my power to ensure that the process of selecting a new Provincial Commissioner is not held at ransom by ANC internal factional considerations. As to the allegation by the ANC that I intervened in the previous selection process, I dismiss this with the contempt it deserves,” said Minister Fritz.