‘We don't always get it right' - Steenhuisen asks Cabanac to resign as chief of staff
Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has asked Roman Cabanac to resign as chief of staff amid a flood of criticism over his appointment.
The controversial podcaster was appointed to Steenhuisen's office two weeks ago, sparking a public outcry over his extreme right-wing views and frequent criticism of the government and President Cyril Ramaphosa.
He has also faced backlash from many South Africans for racist and homophobic comments.
Before starting a podcast in 2020, Cabanac was a founding member of the Capitalist Party of South Africa (ZACP).
The party performed poorly at the 2019 polls.
Earlier this week, Cabanac issued a statement admitting that his online behaviour had been “simplistic and controversial.”
"I understand and respect the concerns which have been raised, especially considering my new non-partisan role. I remain committed to building a better South Africa for us all. In the past, I built my brand as a critic of the previous government,” he said.
"I pushed boundaries to gain attention on social media and sometimes made divisive, idle and poorly considered statements in the heat of online journalism.
"While some of my criticisms were well-founded, I also admit that others were insensitive and provocative, driven by the desire to invite debate. In 2024, both our country and I changed. It dawned on me that my approach had not been constructive.”
Despite this, Steenhuisen told the Cape Town Press Club on Wednesday that the Cabanac controversy was detracting from the department’s work.
"I am happy to admit we don't always get it right,” the DA leader said.
“We never will. People make mistakes, people do not always get it right and I think we should be judging what we do when that mistake has been made, has been pointed out to you and what to do thereafter.
"There has been a conversation with Mr Cabanac. It is a human resources discussion that is underway. Frankly, I found it far too destructive from the work of my ministry and the government that he is the news story, and I have asked him, therefore, to consider stepping aside.”
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