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The DA welcomes the announcement that the process for the appointment of the North West Public Service Commissioner (PSC) will start afresh. This decision was announced in the North West Legislature's Special Rules Committee meeting held today.

This decision follows a protracted battle we initiated a year ago.

Following the interview process, the panel resolved to recommend names, in order of performance, for appointments. However, in the final report tabled by the ANC Chief Whip, who also chaired the interview panel, Paul Sebegoe, the candidate ranked second was recommended for appointment.

The DA raised its objections to the report, citing non-adherence to Section 196(8)(b)(i) of the Constitution on representation on the panel and the flawed process that was followed.

Despite our objections, the ANC abused its majority in the Legislature to rubberstamp the flawed process. Premier Bushy Maape then went ahead with the recommendation and submitted it to President Cyril Ramaphosa for approval.

In March 2023, the DA then approached President Ramaphosa to reject the report as it was not a true reflection of what transpired. We then approached our lawyers to prepare court papers should the President appoint the recommended individual who ranked second to the position of North West Public Service Commissioner based on the flawed process.

The President then appointed a Caretaker Commissioner while investigating the DA's objections. A year later, the DA has been vindicated, as the President has rejected the recommended appointment due to the flawed process and that the process should start afresh.

This incident shows that the ANC, committed to its cadre deployment policy, initiated this process with a mandate on who to appoint. The DA will not falter in our battle against bringing an end to cadre deployment. Our success in stopping this cadre deployment attempt was a year-long battle, but it was a battle worth fighting.

We will closely monitor the new recruitment process to ensure that a suitable candidate is appointed to serve as the North West Public Service Commissioner.

Issued by Freddy Sonakile MPL - DA Caucus Leader: North West Provincial Legislature