Make transparent Ian Whitely’s recruitment process, Minister van Rooyen

17 February 2016

ANC Deputy Secretary-General, Jessie Duarte, has been hauled before senior leaders at Luthuli House about the irregular appointment of her son-in-law, Ian Whitely to the position of Chief of Staff to the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Des van Rooyen. 

Given the ANC’s track-record on disciplining its own members who transgress, the DA will be requesting that the CV and recruitment process of Mr Whitely was in accordance with due process as this man was to be promoted with great alacrity over the heads of more experienced Treasury officials. We contend that his position in Minister van Rooyen’s office is suspicious subject to the full disclosure of the recruitment and hiring process that landed him there in the first place.

In the meantime and as can be expected, Ms Duarte denies any involvement with her son-in-law’s appointment to the position. She had previously publicly defended the Gupta family, neglecting to mention that a family member of hers had a close relationship with them. The same family member is now a high-flying official, despite his mid-level banking stint and no government experience. 

In the run-up to the Local Government Elections, the ANC should prove that voters will be electing competent individuals to office, and not just allies of the ANC. The CoGTA should make public all adverts, job specifications and processes it underwent in the selection of Ian Whitely, to prove that CoGTA’s Chief of Staff really is the best pick for the Ministry and is appropriately qualified to advise the Minister on the often complex and critical issues faced by his department.

It seems van Rooyen’s problems have lasted longer than his weekend position at the National Treasury, as Whitely’s suitability for his role at CoGTA is as questionable and irregular as his previous appointment as advisor to van Rooyen at the National Treasury. 

What has become increasingly obvious is that pals and relations of the ANC leadership have been earmarked for top government roles, despite being unqualified and inexperienced. 

The DA will continue to hold government to account, so that South Africa’s are led by competent and the best possible candidates. 

Statement issued by Refiloe Nt'sekhe MP, DA National Spokesperson, 17 February 2016