Amid growing discontent within the Democratic Alliance (DA) and public outcry, DA leader John Steenhuisen has requested the resignation of his newly appointed chief of staff, Roman Cabanac. This move comes as the controversy surrounding Cabanac’s appointment has caused significant backlash both within the party and from the public, threatening to overshadow the DA’s political agenda.
DA Members Express Concerns
Many within the DA were vocal about their opposition to Cabanac’s appointment, fearing it could alienate key voters. A senior DA member shared concerns with Daily Maverick, stating, “A chief of staff cannot be on the news more than his principal.” This sentiment echoed the growing frustration within the party, with some warning that defending Cabanac’s position could distract from the DA’s broader mission.
Public Reaction to Cabanac’s Past
Cabanac’s appointment as chief of staff was particularly contentious due to his controversial past as a podcaster. Despite recent efforts to distance himself from previous statements, his failure to issue a direct apology only intensified the criticism. The role of chief of staff, a significant position within government, carries an annual salary of nearly R1.4 million in taxpayer funds, further fuelling the backlash.
During a speech at the Cape Town Press Club, Steenhuisen acknowledged the growing tension and announced that he had asked Cabanac to consider stepping aside. He explained that while people make mistakes, it’s essential to act responsibly when those mistakes are pointed out.
“I found it far too distracting from the work of my ministry that he [Cabanac] is the news story, rather than the work of the department,” Steenhuisen remarked. He took full responsibility for the decision and admitted that more thorough background checks should have been conducted before the appointment.
Legal Complexities of Cabanac’s Resignation
Labour lawyer Kgomotso Mufamadi pointed out that Cabanac is not legally required to resign. Should Cabanac refuse to step down, the ministry may be forced to offer him a golden handshake—a mutual separation agreement accompanied by a substantial payout.
Mufamadi also noted the difficulties the ministry would face in proving “incompatibility” as grounds for termination, which could lead to prolonged legal challenges. In such a scenario, Cabanac might argue that his working conditions had become intolerable, potentially leading to a claim of constructive dismissal.
Steenhuisen Denies Cadre Deployment Allegations
Steenhuisen was quick to dispel claims that Cabanac’s appointment was a form of cadre deployment, clarifying that Cabanac was not a member of the DA. The DA has been a vocal opponent of the African National Congress’s (ANC) practice of cadre deployment, a system that places individuals in public sector roles based on party loyalty rather than merit.
Steenhuisen outlined the distinction between political employees, whose positions are tied to the tenure of the office bearer, and permanent civil servants. Political appointees are a standard feature in governments worldwide, he explained, with their positions linked directly to their political principal’s term of office.
Restoring Public Confidence
Steenhuisen’s decision to part ways with Cabanac is widely seen as an attempt to restore public confidence in his leadership. The DA, one of the few stable opposition parties heading into the 2026 local government elections, must balance appeasing its traditional voter base while attracting new supporters.
Despite the controversy, the DA recently demonstrated its electoral strength, securing 16 wards across five provinces during by-elections. This success suggests that, despite internal turbulence, the party remains a formidable political force.
The fallout from the Cabanac saga highlights the challenges Steenhuisen faces as he navigates the complexities of leadership within a fractious political landscape. How he handles the next steps could have significant implications for the DA’s future and its ability to maintain voter confidence ahead of the next elections.